Advancing Freedom and Human Flourishing in the Twenty-First Century

The complex problems facing modern societies demand leading-edge thinking and new applications of the principles that drive human progress. The IHS network advances practical, groundbreaking research to address those problems through the following initiatives:

Liberalism, Pluralism, and Democracy

Constitutionally constrained liberal democracy fosters peace, freedom, and widespread prosperity. Today, however, the rise of illiberal ideologies threatens democratic institutions, the free exchange of ideas, religious toleration, and the prospects for peaceful pluralism.

Our Liberalism, Pluralism, and Democracy Initiative advances ideas and solutions to counteract the erosion of economic, political, intellectual, and civic freedoms and to uphold and fortify the norms and institutions that underlie the liberal project and promote widespread human flourishing.

Equality, Peace, and Prosperity

Individual liberty, equality before the law, free enterprise, and voluntary cooperation are essential for enabling each of us to pursue our full potential.

The Equality, Peace, and Prosperity Initiative investigates the barriers that keep people from realizing that potential, including violent conflict, regulatory capture, inhumane immigration policies, and barriers to international trade.

Business and the Good Society

In addition to driving material prosperity, businesses and entrepreneurs can foster trust, cooperation, and growth for their employees, communities and stakeholders.

The Business and the Good Society Initiative explores the factors that promote commerce’s role in contributing to individual and widespread human development.

Technology and Freedom

Emerging technologies can enhance human flourishing if grounded in the traditional liberal principles of openness, human dignity, and personal freedom.

The Technology and Freedom Initiative foregrounds the economic, social, and existential human consequences of new technologies and advances our understanding of how technological innovation can lead to a better future for us all.