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FREEDOM RESEARCH ASSOCIATION MONITORS ALCOHOL PROHIBITION IN TURKEY

August 9, 2021

Freedom Research Association (FRA), an Atlas Network partner, has been at the forefront of challenging restrictive alcohol mandates in Turkey. When the World Health Organization instituted incredibly restrictive new alcohol policies, FRA teamed up with other liberal European NGOs to write a report on the negative impacts of these repressive policies. The WHO not only recognized the report but also published it, seeking to acknowledge the views of those opposed to the new policies.

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COMPETITION LIGHTS UP AS DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO LIBERALIZES ELECTRICITY SECTOR

August 9, 2021

In Africa’s fourth most populous country, only 10% of the population is connected to the electrical grid. Despite huge potential, less than 2.5% of the hydroelectric resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo are utilized. This lack of critical infrastructure hinders human flourishing and stifles entrepreneurship. Atlas Network partner Centre for Development and Enterprises Democratic Republic of Congo (CDE DRC) set out to change that, and they have already achieved huge results. Through their Umeme Bila Kodi (Electricity Without Taxes) campaign, CDE DRC has worked to encourage the liberalization of the electricity market in their country, which will improve lives and enable businesses to grow.

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ATLAS NETWORK AND CIPS EXPLAIN VALUE OF FREE TRADE AT UN FOOD SYSTEMS PRE-SUMMIT

August 4, 2021

As part of the U.N. Food Systems Pre-summit, Atlas Network and its partner organization Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS) joined the Devex team to explain how markets and trade can improve access to food and revolutionize the effort against poverty, especially when paired with Atlas Network’s model of local problem-solving. Facilitated by Amruta Byatnal—associate editor with Devex—the Breaking Down Barriers: Facilitating Trade in Indonesia’s Food Sector segment of the program included Atlas Network president Matt Warner and CIPS head of research Felippa Amanta.

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PATRIA Y VIDA: A CHANCE FOR FREEDOM IN CUBA | FRANK ZIMMERMAN

July 27, 2021

AtlasNexus host Vale Sloane sits down with Frank Zimmerman of Federalismo y Libertad’s Latin American Center to discuss why Cubans are protesting now and why life has been difficult there for so long. Frank dispels the myth that Cubans suffer because of a U.S. “blockade,” explains the nationalization of shoeshine stands, and points out the government’s discrimination against Black people on the island. Tune in to learn more about the Cuban march for freedom.

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ATLAS AT 40: A RETROSPECTIVE | BRAD LIPS INTERVIEW LINDA WHETSTONE, ROBERT BOYD, AND BILL SUMNER

July 13, 2021

Atlas Network CEO Brad Lips guest hosts this special episode of AtlasNexus with three storied guests to commemorate the organization's fortieth anniversary. Linda Whetstone is the daughter of Atlas Network Founder Sir Antony Fisher, a member of the Atlas Network board of directors (formerly board chair), and president of the Mont Pelerin Society. Robert Boyd spent seven years on the Atlas Network (then the Atlas Economic Research Foundation) board early in its history and eventually returned to serve on the board of directors once more. Bill Sumner is the chairman emeritus of Atlas Network’s board of directors, serving as chairman of the board for decades. The three guests combine for over one hundred years of relationship with Atlas Network, and they join the show to talk about the organization’s founder, history, and global impact in the past four decades. Whetstone, Boyd, and Sumner discuss Atlas Network’s lean early days, Sir Fisher’s determination and drive, and the triumph over early challenges that Atlas Network and Institute of Economic Affairs both experienced. History lovers will delight in this special episode of AtlasNexus!

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COUNTERING GOVERNMENT OVERREACH IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19 DISCUSSED AT #ASIALF21

July 2, 2021

The reality of continued international travel restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic led Atlas Network to host each of its four Regional Liberty Forums online in 2021—this time all in the same week in June. The Asia Liberty Forum (#AsiaLF21) kicked off with a critical examination of the ways in which government responses to the pandemic have disrupted both economies and private lives. With over 247 think tank and civil society professionals representing 16 countries in attendance, a rich dialogue was facilitated, despite the challenges of convening virtually. Attendees were as much a part of the excitement as winners when the Regional Liberty Award and Think Tank Shark Tank champions were announced.

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ADVANCING PAST AUTHORITARIANISM AND DEFENDING AGAINST POPULISM A HOT TOPIC AT #FOROLIBERTAD21

July 1, 2021

The reality of international travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic led Atlas Network to host each of its four Regional Liberty Forums online in 2021—this time all in the same week in June. The Latin America event—#ForoLibertad21—kicked off with a special message from the Honorable Guillermo Lasso, president of the Republic of Ecuador. Despite the challenges of meeting virtually rather than in person, 230 individuals from think tanks and civil society groups representing 22 countries contributed to an engaging and constructive event. Forum participants joined in the excitement with winners when the recipients of the Regional Liberty Award and Think Tank Shark Tank award were announced.

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