2009 Fisher International Memorial Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Think Tank Publications Receive International Recognition from Atlas
WASHINGTON, DC, April 15, 2009 – Since 1990, the Atlas Economic Research Foundation has honored its founder, the late Sir Antony Fisher, with an annual awards program in his name. The Sir Antony Fisher International Memorial Awards recognize think tanks that produce outstanding publications that enhance the public understanding of a free society. Seminal works, such as Hernando De Soto’s The Mystery of Capital and Johan Norberg’s In Defense of Global Capitalism, are among the publications earning top prizes in past years. This year, Atlas celebrates the 20th annual Fisher Awards at its Liberty Forum by honoring institutes from Poland, Belarus, Spain, and Chile:
Polish-American Foundation for Economic Research and Education (PAFERE), Warsaw, Poland
The Moral Superiority of Free Economy (2008) by Michal Wojciechowski
Making a strong case for the moral superiority of free markets, Wojciechowski assesses the situation in Poland as a system in which the success of entrepreneurs and businessmen has become less dependent on hard work and ingenuity, and more on nepotism and favors from state officials who arbitrarily interpret law and destroy even the most prosperous companies. PAFERE will share the first prize in the Young Institute category and receive $5,000.
Scientific Research Mises Center, Minsk, Belarus
In Search of Economic Miracle: Lessons for Belarus (2008) by Jaroslav Romanchuk
Lessons for Belarus examines the transition to a market economy for post-Soviet countries and concludes that most reforms have taken the path of “welfare statism”. Romanchuk argues the theoretical and ideological mistakes that ex-satellites made predetermined their high vulnerability to internal and external shocks. The book also explores the “myths of U.S. robber barons” and makes a powerful case for capitalism and free entrepreneurship, comparing the patterns of public versus private investment. Sharing top recognition in the Young Institute category, the Scientific Research Mises Center will receive $5,000.
Libertad y Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
Ideas to Overcome Poverty (2008) by Maria E. Arzola, Miguel Bejide, Rosita Camhi, Rodrigo Castro, Rosanna Costa, Ignacio Irarrazaval, Felipe Larrain, Osvaldo Larrañaga, Cristian Larroulet, M. de los Angeles Morande, Francisco Rosende, Claudio Sapelli
In Ideas to Overcome Poverty, a collection of authors address the underlying causes of poverty and advance proposals for facing the pending challenges of development. The book emphasizes the importance of economic growth, employment, education, and social programs, while underlining the key to improve social conditions of the poor is a commitment by the government to enhance and support individual efforts to build and grow the civil society. Libertad y Desarrollo will receive $5,000 as winner of the Established Institute category.
Institucion Futuro, Navarra, Spain
Tendencias de Futuro (Future Trends)
Since its inception in 2001, Institución Futuro has been publishing the Tendencias de Futuro (Future Trends) a compilation of studies done by international think tanks that are relevant to current issues. The magazine provides Spanish-speakers with quality, timely work from think tanks all over the world based on the ideas of liberalism. With an audience of senior officials, civil servants, academics, and business executives, Future Trends provides the Hispanic community with in-depth commentary on the free society and paths to prosperity. Institución Futuro will receive $2,000 and the top prize for Best Magazine.
Founded in 1981, the Atlas Economic Research Foundation is a tax-exempt charity based in Washington, D.C., that develops and strengthens a worldwide network of independent think tanks. Atlas does not seek or accept government funding. Its grants and programs are made possible entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals and organizations sharing Atlas’s belief in the principles of a free society. Atlas relies upon an independent panel of prestigious judges to select each year’s winning publications. For more information about the Fisher Awards, visit www.atlasnetwork.org or call 202-449-8449.
For a PDF version of the press release, click here. To view the Fisher Award winners flier, click here.
