International Institute for Political and Economic Studies
The 14th annual IIPES brought together 88 young leaders from the United States, the Middle East and the Balkans, for a unique intellectual and cultural experience in Crete. Students learned about political philosophy and the building blocks of the “Good Society” from Dr. Michael Collins of Georgetown; Dr. Antony Sullivan focused on intellectual history and discussed great thinkers such as de Tocqueville; Dr. Kurt Rotthoff of Seton Hall University taught economics and discussed how free markets can lead to more peaceful and prosperous societies; and new TFAS professor Dr. Tristan Mabry of Georgetown University led discussions and simulations about international conflict prevention and management. In spite of the historical and current conflicts within and between many of the “IIPES countries,” students learned from and with one another about the values of freedom and liberty. A Lebanese participant said, “I’ve come to realize that high-level meetings between politicians, in the halls of the UN, and in academic journals are not the only places where diplomacy is achieved. Diplomacy essentially starts from the interaction between individuals, and the cultural exchange that follows.” CLICK HERE for a full slideshow of IIPES.

American Institute on Political and Economic Systems
This summer, 130 students from the United States and Europe gathered at Charles University in Prague for the 2009 Institute. Participants studied American government with Dr. Roger Pilon,of Cato University and studied economics with Dr. Kurt Rotthoff of Seton Hall University. In addition to classes and discussion sections, led by teaching assistants, students had the opportunity to participate in economics and politics “boot camps.” AIPES staff and faculty also created additional opportunities for students to learn about free markets and free societies by organizing student-led country economic presentations and a parliamentary simulation. AIPES students also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Stefanie Babst, the Assistant Deputy Secretary General of NATO, who delivered the annual Robin Beard Lecture about the trans-Atlantic alliance in the 21st century. We also had the honor of hosting Czech President Vaclav Klaus, who delivered the Vasek and Anna Maria Polak Address at the closing ceremony. CLICK HERE for a slideshow of AIPES.

Asia Institute on Political Economy
More than 60 outstanding university students from the United States and Asia attended The Fund’s 7th annual institute at the University of Hong Kong this summer. Students had the opportunity to learn about the economic benefits of free markets and free trade from economist Dr. Andrew Morriss. In addition to lectures, Dr. Morriss organized a number of class debates, economic simulations, and arranged for economics lessons in the street markets of Hong Kong! After the classes, one student from China exclaimed, “I become more convinced that the liberation of the market and each individual participant is the final way leading to prosperity.” Students also had the opportunity to study with Professor John Baker, who led the class in discussions and debates about the founding principles of the United States government. For many students, it was their first time to learn from the original documents of American founding. Classes were supplemented by a guest lecture series that brought distinguished guests such as Ambassador Frank Lavin, to discuss contemporary political and economic issues facing Asian nations today. CLICK HERE for a full slideshow of the Institute.

European Journalism Institute
An outstanding group of 36 journalists and journalism students from around the world gathered in Prague this summer to participate in the 6th annual European Journalism Institute. The academic program was again directed by Professor Laura Kelly. The program focused on the important role of a free media and promoting and maintaining free societies, as well as the significance of ethical and accurate reporting. A particular emphasis this year was placed on business and economic reporting, and the participants listed to guest lectures on the topics of “Using Images to Tell Business Stories” and “How to Become a Better Business Reporter.” The journalists had a unique opportunity to listen to and network with leading journalists from Europe. The EJI experience is important for providing skills-building opportunities and establishing professional networks. After the course, Professor Kelly stated, “I’ve been in touch with most of the students since the program ended. The thing that most have told me that has struck me most deeply is that they left EJI feeling as if they had found kindred spirits. They had found in this international group gathered in Prague a similar sort of spirit, a similar set of values and challenges and that they had left feeling energized and armed with new tools and a reaffirmation about why they’ve chosen journalism and the importance it plays in their countries.” CLICK HERE for a full slideshow of the Institute.