Annual reports

Report

Jun 25, 2024

The path to prosperity: The 2024 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes

By Ignacio Campomanes, Nina Dannaoui, Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea

In this “year of election,” freedom continues to decline globally. Political rights, judicial independence, and checks and balances are eroding. Prosperity growth has slowed, particularly in developing countries. The data underscores a strong link between freedom and prosperity, highlighting the need for data-driven policy reforms.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

Report

Jun 15, 2023

Prosperity that lasts: The 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes 

By Dan Negrea, Joseph Lemoine

The 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes measure the distribution of freedom and prosperity in 164 countries. The report explores the relationship between the two and identifies global and regional trends over the last twenty-eight years.

Africa Americas

Report

Jun 1, 2022

Do countries need freedom to achieve prosperity?

By Dan Negrea, Joseph Lemoine, Matthew Kroenig, Joel Kesselbrenner

The Freedom Index and Prosperity Index are two separate indexes that rank one hundred and seventy-four countries around the world according to their levels of freedom and prosperity.

Civil Society Corruption

Publications

Issue Brief

Aug 30, 2024

South Asia’s political parties need internal reforms to revitalize regional democracy

By Steve Cima, Geoffrey MacDonald, James Storen

This paper is the third in the Freedom and Prosperity Center’s “State of the Parties” series analyzing the strength of multi-party systems in different regions of the world.

Democratic Transitions Elections

Issue Brief

Aug 30, 2024

Unloved but indispensable: Political parties in Europe

By Paul McCarthy, Thibault Muzergues, Patrick Quirk

The experience of the past decade has shown that despite their unpopularity, political parties remain indispensable for the functioning of democracies in Europe—when they are present, plural, and organized, democracy is doing well. To prove this assertion, this paper will look at four telling examples in recent European history.

Democratic Transitions Elections

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2024

The Biden administration has changed how the US engages with developing countries

By Joseph Lemoine

Under Biden, the White House has restored US backing for international organizations and helped launch new initiatives, such as the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.

Africa Americas
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a ceremony at which Xi received an honorary degree from St. Petersburg State University, in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 6, 2019.

Report

Jul 3, 2024

Advancing freedom, defeating authoritarianism: A democracy agenda for 2025-2029

By Patrick Quirk

This report provides actionable and measurable policy recommendations for the upcoming administration’s foreign policy to advance democracy and strengthen the US position in international development.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Jun 25, 2024

Your presidential debate prep on the US economy, in charts

By Atlantic Council experts

Ahead of this campaign season’s first presidential debate, these charts, graphs, and data illustrate the real state of the US economy.

Economy & Business Elections

Report

Jun 25, 2024

The path to prosperity: The 2024 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes

By Ignacio Campomanes, Nina Dannaoui, Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea

In this “year of election,” freedom continues to decline globally. Political rights, judicial independence, and checks and balances are eroding. Prosperity growth has slowed, particularly in developing countries. The data underscores a strong link between freedom and prosperity, highlighting the need for data-driven policy reforms.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity
Supporters of Kenya's opposition leader and presidential candidate Raila Odinga, of the Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) One Kenya Alliance, attend his final campaign rally ahead of the August 9th General election, at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, August 6, 2022.

Issue Brief

Jun 11, 2024

The missing piece: Political parties are critical to democracy in Africa

By Santiago Stocker, Patrick Quirk, and Dan Scaduto

As many as seventeen countries in Africa will head to the polls in 2024. This piece analyzes the state of political parties in Sub-Saharan Africa, using Freedom and Prosperity Indexes data to show why multiparty systems are key to democratic strength.

Africa Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

May 24, 2024

Thirty years of South African democracy, visualized

By James Storen, Nina Dannaoui

With South Africans heading to the polls on May 29, it is worth reflecting on how their country has changed since transitioning to democracy in 1994.

Democratic Transitions Elections

Report

Apr 15, 2024

How Bangladesh can achieve its vision of prosperity

By Nina Dannaoui, Joseph Lemoine, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee

Bangladesh is forging ahead with its Vision 2041, aiming to transform into a developed and prosperous country by 2041.

Bangladesh Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2024

Ahead of its presidential election, Senegal shows that democracy requires the rule of law

By James Storen, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee

For Senegal to cement its status as a haven of democracy, the country must prioritize judicial independence and the rule of law.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy
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Events

Flagship Event Tue, June 25, 2024 • 4:30 pm ET

2024 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes launch

Examining the latest trends in freedom and prosperity among 164 countries around the world.
Freedom and Prosperity
Online Event Tue, June 18, 2024 • 9:00 am ET

Religious freedom and integral human development: A new global platform
Freedom and Prosperity
Public Event Wed, March 20, 2024 • 4:00 pm ET

What is the future of Republican foreign policy?
Freedom and Prosperity National Security Politics & Diplomacy Resilience & Society
Online Event Tue, February 27, 2024 • 9:30 am ET

2024 Annual Research Conference

Scholars and policymakers from around the world present their research and analysis on international development and the relationship between freedom and prosperity. 
Freedom and Prosperity
Public Event Thu, July 6, 2023 • 9:30 am ET

Launch and key takeaways of the 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes

In partnership with Devex, the Freedom and Prosperity Center launched the 2023 edition of the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes.
Africa Americas Corruption Democratic Transitions
Public Event Tue, May 9, 2023 • 10:00 am ET

NATO’s Mircea Geoana on security, freedom, and prosperity in Eastern Europe

Deputy Secretary General of NATO Mircea Geoană offered his analysis on the most successful policies implemented on the path to freedom and explored the future of Eastern Europe.
Democratic Transitions Eastern Europe Freedom and Prosperity Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Mon, March 6, 2023 • 1:00 pm ET

How free markets shape global development

What’s the connection between freedom and prosperity and how does it play out in development?

China East Asia Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform
Public Event Thu, February 2, 2023 • 9:30 am ET

2023 Annual Research Conference

Scholars and policymakers from around the world present their research and analysis on the relationship between freedom and prosperity.
Africa Corruption Democratic Transitions Eastern Europe
Public Event Wed, November 2, 2022 • 2:30 pm ET

By the numbers: How China and Taiwan perform in country indexes

An event exploring how China and Taiwan fare in country indexes, and what this tells us about the contrasting development models they represent.

China Freedom and Prosperity Taiwan

Launch Event

June 9, 2022

Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2022

The public launch of the Freedom and Prosperity Center in Copenhagen.

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In the news

In the News

Jun 18, 2024

Religious freedom conference featured in article from UK’s Religion Media Centre

Religious freedom and integral human development: A new global platform, the Freedom and Prosperity Center’s inaugural event on religious freedom and development held in Rome, was featured in an article with the Religion Media Centre. Written by Hassan Abdein, a trustee of Religion Media Centre and conference attendee, echoed how religious freedom plays a key […]

In the News

Jun 7, 2024

Quirk pens op-ed in LA Times on Mexican election

Nonresident senior fellow Patrick Quirk penned an op-ed in the LA Times on May 31. He discussed the violence surrounding Mexico’s election, and offered recommendations for the US to take action to ensure a clean and peaceful election process.

In the News

Jun 5, 2024

Reed featured at seminar with Nixon Society

Distinguished fellow Kimberly Reed, former president of the US Export-Import Bank, participated in The Nixon Society’s speaker series in Newport Beach, California on June 4. She discussed and analyzed the foreign policy strategy of former US President Richard Nixon, applying this analysis to Washington’s current foreign policy interests.

In the News

Jun 5, 2024

Rubio-Marquez featured in BBC, Americas Quarterly, and Financial Times on Mexican election

Advisory Council Vanessa Rubio-Marquez, former Senator and Deputy Minister in Mexico’s government, was featured in numerous news outlets to give her thoughts on the Mexican election.

In the News

Apr 18, 2024

Quirk cites Indexes at University of Chicago event on elections

Nonresident senior fellow Patrick Quirk headlined a talk at an event with the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy on April 16. Citing data from the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes, Quirk discussed elections around the world and international development.

In the News

Apr 17, 2024

Lemoine cited by US Embassy, multiple local outlets in presentation on freedom and prosperity in Bangladesh

Director Joseph Lemoine served as the keynote speaker in the Prosperity and Good Governance Conference in Dhaka, an event hosted jointly by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Asia Foundation. Lemoine shared findings and takeaways on Bangladesh’s performances in the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes. Lemoine disseminated the Center’s newly completed report on […]

In the News

Mar 19, 2024

Amb. Kelley E. Currie discusses countering Uyghur genocide with Dolkun Isa

On March 14, 2024, nonresident senior fellow Kelley E. Currie discussed strategies for countering the Chinese Communist Party’s genocide of the Uyghur minority at a National Endowment for Democracy event. She spoke with Dolkun Isa, President of the World Uyghur Congress, and Washington Post journalist Josh Rogin.

In the News

Mar 19, 2024

Amb. Kelley E. Currie discusses 2024 Atlas for Taiwan Gender Equality Week

On March 13, 2024, nonresident senior fellow Kelley E. Currie gave a keynote address for Taiwan Gender Equality week in New York. During her keynote address, she referenced the 2024 Atlas, diving specifically into the chapter on the Indo-Pacific.

In the News

Jan 30, 2024

Dan Negrea and Patrick Quirk discuss elections at International Republican Institute panel.

Negrea highlighted the crucial upcoming elections in Europe and Eurasia, while Quirk delivered opening remarks.

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Joseph Lemoine and Yomna Gaafar cited in annual Congressional report

Lemoine and Gaafar’s article on China’s development initiative was cited in 2023 report.

Media

Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party has won the election in Taiwan, and will be inaugurated as Taiwan’s next president on May 20. As his term commences, James Storen breaks down Taiwan’s performance in the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes, examining numerous indicators including political freedom and elections.
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the economic bloc known as BRICS, convened for their annual summit in August. Ahead of the summit, James Storen breaks down the performance of these countries in the 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes. Freedom has declined in all BRICS countries, which has slowed down their progress in achieving prosperity.
An overview of the methodologies and takeaways behind the 2023 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes, which measure freedom and prosperity for 164 countries around the world. The annual Freedom and Prosperity Indexes are a primary output of the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center.

Regional Workshops

February 16, 2022

Asia Workshop

The Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Project, in collaboration with the Centre for Civil Society in India, hosts the fourth and last in a series of virtual workshops on strengthening economic freedom, rule of law, and representative government in different regions across the world.

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January 11, 2022

Africa workshop

The Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Project, in collaboration with the Centre for Development and Enterprises Great Lakes, Burundi, hosts the third in a series of virtual workshops on strengthening economic freedom, rule of law, and representative government in different regions across the world.

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October 28, 2021

Middle East workshop

The Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Project, in collaboration with the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and the Tunisian Council for International Relations, hosts the second in a series of virtual workshops on strengthening economic freedom, rule of law, and representative government in different regions across the world.

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Latin America Workshop

The Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Project, in collaboration with the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and Brazilian think tank Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV), hosts the first in a series of virtual workshops on strengthening economic freedom, rule of law, and representative government in different regions across the world.

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About the program

The Freedom and Prosperity Center aims to increase the prosperity of the poor and marginalized in developing countries and to explore the nature of the relationship between freedom and prosperity in both developing and developed nations.

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