Liberální institut

The Liberální Institut is a non-governmental, non-partisan, non-profit think tank for the development, dissemination and application of classical liberal ideas and programs based on the principles of classical liberalism.

The Liberální Institut's activities are based on the recognition of the following principles:

all men are created equal and are endowed by inalienable rights to life, liberty and property
individual freedom is the foundation of all other values, provided that it is understood as the negative freedom to protect oneself from external aggression, not as a positive freedom to manipulate others, and provided that freedom and the rule of law are inseparable
the individual actor knows best what is in his/her interest (the principle of utilitarian autonomy)
freedom is impossible without the institution of private property

These principles were recognized by the F. A. Hayek Club, which was founded during the period of the "Velvet Revolution" in the Fall of 1989. The F. A. Hayek Club was transformed into the Liberální Institut, which became officially registered on February 6th, 1990.

Liberální Institut focuses on three types of activities: education, research, and publication. The LI staff organizes four educational events and two essay contests every year, conducts applied research in five broad areas, and has published more than 70 books since 1990. It has become not only a repsectable educational institution and renowned research center but also the biggest publishing house of liberal literature.

The Standard Annual Program of the LI

Education
1. Summer School (Aug./Sept.)
2. Summer University (Jun.)
3. Freedom University (Sept.)
4. Winter Academy (Dec.)
5. The Gary Becker Prize for the best student paper in economics (Fall)
6. Henry Hazlitt Prize for the best essay from a high school student
Research
1. Applied economics projects
2. Analysis of fundamental economic processes
3. Fundamental research of classical liberal principles and workings of free society
Cultural events
1. Annual Lecture
2. Prague Spring and/or Fall Lecture
3. Regular discussion fora on current social and economic issues
4. Tax Freedom Day
Publications
1. Translation of significant works by classical liberal and libertarian authors
2. Original publications by the Liberální Institut's staff
3. Editing of research projects
Media Presentation
1. Comments on topical economic and political issues
2. Popularization of articles on our applied research projects
3. Press conferences on research projects' results