Democracy in Action: Stories from the Field

This issue of Democracy in Action highlights CIPE partners, related program success, and the unique nature of CIPE's work in the field. Spanning from new media's influence on social media in Pakistan, to a joint anti-corruption campaign involving nine commercial banks in Thailand, our partners are working diligently to enhance the environment for private sector participation and democratic process around the globe.

Economic Reform Feature Service: Driving Growth Through Economic Freedom and the Rule of Law

By Boris Begović
Economic freedom contributes to economic growth by fostering competition among actors, leading to increased innovations, efficiency, and ultimately, productivity. Economic freedom also allows investments to be more efficient, leading to growth. The rule of law, as understood as the protection of private property and contractual rights, can protect economic freedom and contribute to growth as well. Read the rest of this article.

How Social Media is Shaping Debate in Pakistan

By Hammad Siddiqui
Growth is a major objective for countries around the world. An expanding GDP signals that people have more income, are buying more products and services, and overall are living better lives. Economic growth should also lead to increased employment and more taxable income for states. Read the rest of this article.

Thai Banks Join Anti-Corruption Effort

By John Morrell
On March 27, nine commercial banks jointly signed the Anti-Corruption Declaration of the Thai Institute of Directors (IOD). This Declaration lays out tangible and specific steps that a company must take to combat corruption on the part of its employees, managers and vendors, and is the unifying document of IOD’s Collective Action Against Corruption campaign. Read the rest of this article.

Building Business Ties Between Afghanistan and Pakistan

By Jon Custer
The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a rough road. But it also serves as a vital economic lifeline between the two countries, whose trade is valued at some $3 billion annually — equal to about 15% of Afghanistan’s GDP. However, many legitimate businesses still find it difficult to navigate the complex web of regulations, bureaucracy, and corruption which hamper legal trading across a frontier best known as a conduit for smuggling drugs and weapons. Read the rest of this story.