Brad Lips

The Freedom Movement Brad Lips

"The Freedom Movement: Its Past, Present, and Future," a new monograph by Atlas Network CEO Brad Lips, examines the evolution of global institutions that are guided by the principles of individual liberty, property rights, limited government, and free markets that are secured by the rule of law."The freedom movement exists because of a shared, firmly-held belief that communities depend on a set of principles-the presumption of liberty, well-defined and secure property, and the rule of law-to achieve and sustain peace, prosperity, and civility," writes Lips. In the years after World War II, Atlas Network founder Antony Fisher was inspired by the advice of economist Friedrich Hayek to establish independent, non-partisan think tanks that would disseminate insight and create consensus on classical liberal ideas. His first think tank, the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs, successfully articulated the intellectual arguments that eventually led to the Thatcher revolution in Great Britain. Fisher, who founded Atlas Network in 1981, envisioned a network of allied organizations that were able to counter socialist propaganda with pro-market, pro-liberty arguments. Lips' narrative provides context for Atlas Network's efforts, looking at the current impact of liberty-oriented organizations around the world and assessing the movement's strategy for impacting the future of freedom. He also addresses institutional critics who disagree with the movement's goals, pointing out that Atlas Network educational programming is inclusive, independent, and exclusively focused on increasing human freedom. Looking ahead, Lips believes that the movement's strength and credibility will increase by demonstrating the weaknesses of anti-market forces and illustrating the freedom movement's vision of a "good, just, and prosperous future" for all.