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.

Society

Marijuana Legalization: True Freedom or Just New Form of Control?

BY Institute for Liberal Studies / May 28, 2025

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.

Politics

Javier Milei, Enemy of Free Speech

BY Martin Panek AND Institute for Liberal Studies / May 27, 2025

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.

Society

Nanny State Index 2025: Czechia Increasingly Regulates Lifestyle and Falls in Rankings

BY Institute for Liberal Studies / May 26, 2025

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.

Economy

Should Czech National Bank Buy Bitcoin Reserves?

BY Filip Blaha AND Institute for Liberal Studies / February 5, 2025

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.

Politics

Trump Declares Juche as America’s Policy Going Forward

BY Martin Panek AND Institute for Liberal Studies / February 3, 2025

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.

Politics

Has Oregon’s Policy of Decriminalizing Psychoactive Substances Failed?

BY Institute for Liberal Studies / October 17, 2024

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.

Economy

Sugar Tax’s Sour Grapes

BY Institute for Liberal Studies / October 15, 2024

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...