editorial partner Liberte! Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Institute for Liberal Studies

ABOUT Institute for Liberal Studies
The Institut Liberálních Studií is a non-governmental, non-partisan, non-profit think tank that aims to develop and apply principles of classical liberalism. Its activities are based on the values of individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and peace. It was founded in July 2020 and between 2020–2024 it was known as the Liberální Institut.

The Institute’s main topics of research and publication are reduction of taxes, deregulation, promotion of competition, reducing the size of the state, and euroskepticism. It also focuses on social liberties where it promotes immigration, same-sex marriage, abortion, and free speech.

The Institute’s main activities are policy research, public commentary, publication of books, research papers, and editorials, and summer school for young students. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Institute has established a humanitarian mission and has delivered over USD 1 million of aid directly to Ukraine.
Marijuana Legalization: True Freedom or Just New Form of Control?
Society
Marijuana Legalization: True Freedom or Just New Form of Control?
When a young ODS member challenges Fiala to smoke a joint and ODS suddenly talks about legalization, it is clear that marijuana is no longer just a pirate issue. Fiala smilingly declined the offer, but his surprisingly accommodating response signaled a shift. At the same time, ODS launched a campaign with the slogan \"now is the time for legalization\", a clear ploy to appeal to young voters and disillusioned Pirate supporters.
Javier Milei, Enemy of Free Speech
Politics
Javier Milei, Enemy of Free Speech
Argentinian President Javier Milei filed lawsuits this month for defamation against three journalists, reports the Buenos Aires Herald. \"The journalists targeted are columnists Ari Lijalad and Carlos Pagni, as well as TV host Viviana Canosa. Canosa was a staunch Milei supporter until two years ago,\" says the newspaper reports.
Nanny State Index 2025: Czechia Increasingly Regulates Lifestyle and Falls in Rankings
Society
Nanny State Index 2025: Czechia Increasingly Regulates Lifestyle and Falls in Rankings
Czechia ranked 26th out of 30 countries in this year’s Nanny State Index, maintaining its reputation of lifestyle freedom, but continuing to fall in the rankings. The higher a country ranks, the more regulated its lifestyle is. Our country’s approach to regulating food, beverages, alcohol, and electronic cigarettes remains largely liberal. However, in 2017, Czechia was the most liberal country in the ranking.
Should Czech National Bank Buy Bitcoin Reserves?
Economy
Should Czech National Bank Buy Bitcoin Reserves?
Governor of the Czech National Bank (CNB) Aleš Michl recently commented that the Czech National Bank might consider including Bitcoin in its reserves. Is this really a good idea? Should the CNB invest in this digital asset? The CNB\'s main and most important function is to ensure price and financial stability, as required by its constitutional mandate. Unfortunately, however, it has failed to fulfill this mandate in recent years.
Trump Declares Juche as America’s Policy Going Forward
Politics
Trump Declares Juche as America’s Policy Going Forward
Donald Trump, the illegitimate President of the United States of America, declared that all imports from Canada, Mexico, and China will be subject to a 25% tariff, from February 4, 2025, onwards. There is no plausible reading of the trade among Mexico, the United States, and Canada that would even begin to justify these measures. Indeed, Trump’s previous administration renegotiated the free trade agreement among these countries.
Has Oregon’s Policy of Decriminalizing Psychoactive Substances Failed?
Politics
Has Oregon’s Policy of Decriminalizing Psychoactive Substances Failed?
As of September 1, 2024, the part of an Oregon law that allowed possession of small amounts of psychoactive substances for personal use only under penalty of a misdemeanor was repealed. The decriminalization, which Oregonians voted for in a referendum in 2020, was intended to reduce the social stigma of addicted individuals, reduce overdose deaths, and ease users’ pathways to rehab.
Sugar Tax’s Sour Grapes
Economy
Sugar Tax’s Sour Grapes
The Institute for Liberal Studies publishes an analysis of the sweetened beverage tax by Jan Šincl and Martin Pánek entitled Sugar Tax’s Sour Grapes. The prevalence of obesity is rising globally and poses a significant challenge to the health of individuals and healthcare systems. The main factor causing obesity is not sugar. It is a combination of many factors, such as caloric intake and expenditure, exercise, dietary habits...