Economic Freedom the Real Antidote to Arab Unrest

Economic Freedom: The Real Antidote to Arab Unrest More from Heritage Brazil: Restoring Economic Growth Through Economic Freedom U.S. Falls in World Economic Competitiveness Rankings Economic Freedom: The Freedom to Choose Commemorating Milton Friedman’s 100th Birthday with the Index of Economic Freedom U.S.–Georgia Free Trade Agreement: Time to Get Moving The following column, authored by Ambassador Terry Miller, first appeared in The Washington Times. The recent attacks on U.S. diplomatic outposts in the Middle East are certainly disappointing, but the U.S. still has a big opportunity to exert a positive influence in the region. An often overlooked contributor to the region’s highly combustible condition is a pervasive lack of economic opportunity and economic freedom. Our free market system is just what the region needs. Use the Index heat map to see the world's economic freedom by region >> To date, the U.S. has struggled to find a policy that can simultaneously promote freedom and stability in the Arab world. The focus on democracy has produced little success. The jury is still out on the ultimate character of new regimes in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, but the recent assaults on U.S. missions show that volatility and anti-Americanism remains high there. Governments are tottering in Syria and Yemen, and massive U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan have failed to fully secure either peace or security. Thirty years of efforts to influence post-revolutionary Iran have left that country an international pariah and potential nuclear threat to its neighbors. It’s not a pretty record. See how Syria, Yemen, and the United States rank in the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom >> The nub of the problem is that purely political revolutions are inherently destabilizing. From the reign of terror that followed the French Revolution right through the “democratically” installed Communist and Nazi regimes of 20th century Europe to the postcolonial dictators dominating Africa today, it is an unfortunate truth that political revolutions lead as often to tears as to utopia. We are crying in the Middle East today. Economic liberalization offers a better path to revolutionary change. Free markets, based on the voluntary decisions of individuals, facilitate win-win transactions. Both sides gain, or else the interactions don’t happen. Free markets require no central guide, and no government plan. When individuals can decide for themselves what to do, there is little need for collective action. You don’t need a mob, or an officious and corrupt government bureaucrat, to influence the outcome or defend your interests. Read the full column now >> About The Heritage Foundation Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute — a think tank — whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.