RT @magattew: Guess what. I've been invited to testify before the U.S. Congress tomorrow! 🇺🇸 Will be sharing my perspective with the Hous…

For generations, Syria was ruled by one of the world’s most oppressive dictatorships. The brutal Assad regime controlled nearly every aspect of life, leading to millions of Syrians being forced to flee their country. Upon the fall of the regime in December, Atlas Network moved quickly to support the growing young freedom movement in Syria and connect with Syrians who believe in free-market ideas and a future built on freedom. Alongside our partners at @arabcr_ and @lims_lb, we traveled to Damascus to support the development of local, pro-freedom organizations that can help guide Syria’s transition after this historic revolution. In the coming days, we’ll be sharing an inside look and more updates on the growth of the liberty movement in a free Syria. For Arabic-language updates, visit

Instituto de Ciencia Política Hernán Echavarría Olózaga (ICP) has won this year’s 2025 Latin America Liberty Award for their outstanding efforts to protect private property and the rule of law in Colombia’s rural areas. By successfully challenging Article 61 of the National Development Plan and blocking attempts to bypass judicial oversight, they safeguarded constitutional protections for land ownership, defended vulnerable communities from government overreach, and encouraged investment and economic development. This achievement underscores the indispensable role of property rights in fostering innovation, private-sector growth, and prosperity across Colombia.

Across Venezuela, a wave of terror has gripped the nation. Over 1,300 people have been detained, at least 24 have been killed, and 44 have disappeared as Maduro’s authoritarian regime tightens its grip. Hundreds of pro-freedom activists are now in hiding, facing constant danger for demanding Maduro respect the outcome of the 2024 election. Despite this brutality, the fight for freedom continues. Advocates are pushing forward, urging negotiations that could lead to meaningful change for a free and just future. Find out more here:

In India, Dr. Path J. Shah founded the Centre for Civil Society (CCS), dedicating his career to advancing social change and poverty alleviation through policy reform. Particularly, CCS’s rebranding of “economic freedom” to “livelihood freedom” has effectively connected free-market principles with the needs of the poor, leading to significant policy reforms that have improved the lives of street vendors and other marginalized groups. His work in policy training, education, and livelihood freedom reflects his deep commitment to liberty and personal empowerment. Learn more about how Dr. Shah’s efforts have changed lives and promoted free markets in India:

Atlas Network is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Latin America Liberty Award: Estudiantes por la Libertad Latinoamérica (Mexico), Instituto de Ciencia Política Hernán Echavarría Olózaga (Colombia), and Fundación Libertad y Progreso (Argentina). These organizations have made significant strides in promoting freedom, from advancing free-market reforms to protecting property rights and empowering local communities. The winner will be revealed at the Latin America Liberty Forum 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 6-7. Click the link to learn more:

RT @ESFLiberty: A great webinar by @AtlasNetwork with @MamadMachine and @tomgpalmer on Iran's authoritarian regime. 👇

In Lebanon, years of government mismanagement and the Central Bank Subsidy Program fueled a devastating economic collapse, leaving millions struggling with power outages, food and medicine shortages, and financial ruin. But through the Subsidy Free Lebanon campaign, the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies (LIMS) has been working to restore hope. LIMS successfully argued for the removal of the central bank’s system of subsidies and price controls—restoring access to essential goods for millions. For Rima, a Lebanese mother, this reform was life-changing. With fuel back on the market, she no longer has to ration electricity or endure endless blackouts. This shift is lifting communities out of the economic devastation created by Lebanon’s government. Learn more about how LIMS is driving change and helping rebuild their country’s future:

Women often face hidden regulatory hurdles that make it difficult to access the rights and opportunities that, on paper, are theirs. For example, in Nepal, single mothers often struggle to secure legally-guaranteed citizenship for their children. Bureaucratic obstacles and procedural complexities continue to hinder women's entrepreneurial freedom and economic participation, holding back global prosperity. In our Freedom Worldwide webinar, Arpita Nepal discusses these challenges and how free-market advocates are working to remove barriers and create real opportunities for women worldwide. Watch the full video at the link:

In the central African nation of Burundi, many women provide for their families by trading in nearby countries. For years, crossing the border was difficult and dangerous, exposing these entrepreneurs to demands for bribes and the risk of violence and abuse. Thanks to the leadership of Centre for Development and Enterprises Great Lakes (CDE), however, regulatory reforms have slashed the number of border checkpoints, lowered costs, and enhanced the safety of traders. This reform has changed the lives of many Burundians, including that of Nasra Nsabimana. Learn more about how these pro-free trade changes have made life better and more prosperous for Nasra and her family:

In our Freedom Worldwide webinar, Dr. Tom G. Palmer, alongside experts Mariana Campos and Roberto Salinas-León, discussed the dangers posed by anti-liberty reforms in Mexico. These reforms could impact key sectors such as telecommunications, media, and the autonomy of the central bank, threatening to push Mexico back toward a period of single-party dominance, reminiscent of the "perfect dictatorship." In this clip, Roberto Salinas-León emphasizes that over 70% of Mexico's economy depends on foreign trade, highlighting the country's strong middle class and purchasing power—both of which are now at risk due to institutional deconstruction. Watch the full webinar on our YouTube channel to learn more about the future of freedom in Mexico:

Atlas Network’s Dr. Tom G. Palmer recently joined the Warsaw Enterprise Institute to celebrate the publication of a new Polish edition of his book “Self-Control or State Control. You Decide.” He spoke with Michał Banaś, director of the WEI Publishing House, at the Freedom Lounge to discuss how the book addresses topics such as free markets, the welfare state, and constitutional limitations on power. In his talk, Dr. Palmer examines the supply and demand of authoritarianism and explores the role of constitutionalism in restraining power and how historical examples, such as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, have shaped these ideas. Watch the full video at the link:

Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, an unexpected ray of hope has emerged through an educational initiative that is shaping the country’s future. The Bendukidze Free Market Center (BFMC) is providing thousands of Ukrainian students with a comprehensive education in economics and free markets—skills essential for the country's post-war recovery and long-term prosperity. In response to the 2019 decision to reduce economic education in schools, BFMC introduced the Economic Education Accelerator program. The project has distributed tens of thousands of copies of their economics textbook, trained hundreds of teachers, and reached 100,000 students, even in the midst of war. With support from Atlas Network, BFMC is fostering the next generation of economic thinkers who will rebuild Ukraine. Read the full article at the link:

Populist authoritarianism is on the rise in Mexico, and political power is being concentrated in the hands of those who oppose freedom. In this episode of our Freedom Worldwide series, Dr. Tom G. Palmer, along with leading voices in the freedom movement, explores the grave dangers posed by the anti-liberty reforms proposed in Mexico. One of the key concerns is the election of judges, which could have profound implications for strategic sectors like telecommunications, media, and the autonomy of the central bank. Dr. Palmer, along with experts Mariana Campos and Roberto Salinas-León, warns that these changes may push Mexico back toward a period reminiscent of the "perfect dictatorship"—a time when single-party rule dominated the country. Watch the full webinar at the link to learn more about the future of freedom in Mexico.

RT @TempletonWorld: The George Ayittey Society, launched by @AtlasNetwork with TWCF funding, bridges the gap between the high-level #Africa…

RT @NkafuPolicyInst: 98% of Cameroon's startup founders want a Startup Act. Our research shows 86% struggle with funding & 93% face regulat…

While elections have dominated recent headlines, the real fight for liberty happens every day in ways that don’t often make the news. In an op-ed in The Epoch Times, Atlas Network CEO Brad Lips highlights the important efforts of grassroots free-market advocates and think tanks around the world who shape the "battle of ideas" between election cycles. These organizations, who rely on the support of private donors, are advancing economic freedom, limiting government, and redefining what is politically possible. Their work demonstrates that true progress for liberty requires ongoing engagement—not just during election seasons. Read the full article to learn why liberty’s progress depends on more than just elections and how your support can make a difference.

Jesús Armas, a friend of Atlas Network and a leader in Venezuela's freedom movement, has been arbitrarily and unjustly detained by the Maduro regime since December 10, 2024 simply for standing up for the values of a free society. Likely subjected to torture and other violations of his human rights, Jesús urgently needs international attention brought to his case to defend his life. Late in December, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights issued a resolution in his defense, insisting that the Venezuelan dictatorship take steps to ensure Jesús is granted basic protections of his rights as a human being. Jesús' legal team has also issued a press release containing the latest on his situation. Please aid the cause of freedom in Venezuela by sharing Jesús' story.

Applications are still open for the 2025 Templeton Freedom Award Prize Program, which includes Atlas Network's Regional Liberty Awards. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your success stories and be recognized. Submit your application by January 10 via our Application Portal. Click the button below to learn more about what makes a strong submission and apply today. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Fundación Paraguaya, an Atlas Network partner, is tackling head-on the systematic barriers that keep people in poverty with their Poverty Stoplight tool. By helping families and entrepreneurs identify the root causes of poverty in their own unique circumstances, they create personalized action plans to help them break the cycle. With the support of Atlas Network, Poverty Stoplight has empowered 120,000 families across 59 countries, providing them the tools to build a better future. Atlas Network’s year-end campaign ends at midnight tonight—your donation today will directly fund efforts like these, expanding freedom and creating lasting change. Donate now to make a real impact before time runs out!