French

Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, The “people power revolution” of 1986 represented a landmark in East Asian democratization and remains remarkably relevant to transitions occurring today. Dr. Jesus Estanislao – a government leader during the early stages of democratic transition and subsequently a leader in civil society – shares vital lessons in consolidating transition, launching economic reform, and building the institutions of democratic governance. This article is based on remarks by Dr. Estanislao delivered at a CIPE Middle East and North Africa workshop in March 2012. Read more…

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 more…

Catherine Kuchta-Helbling, Ph. D., Billions of dollars in potential profits are lost each year in emerging democracies and economies threatening to derail political and economic transitions worldwide. These losses result from ill-designed, complex laws and regulations that exclude millions of citizens from the political and economic system and unnecessarily raise the cost of doing business in the formal sector. High business costs force entrepreneurs of modest means to survive by operating low-income, low-growth activities in the informal sector, squandering their economic potential. Read more…

John D. Sullivan, The Center for International Private Enterprise’s (CIPE) unique approach to effecting institutional change involves partnering with members of the business community in developing countries to help them become advocates for democratic and market-oriented reform. CIPE Executive Director John D. Sullivan, Ph.D testified before the Canadian Parliament on February 13, 2012 at the invitation of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development of the House of Commons. Read more…

John D. Sullivan, The debate on the best strategies to generate economic growth remains as relevant as ever, especially when it comes to the nature of political systems worldwide. What we have learned over the years is that to sustain inclusive economic growth over extended periods of time, it is essential that countries look more closely at the importance of democratizing reform and governance processes. In other words, democracy plays a key role in a country’s socio-economic development and economic reform is inseparable from the surrounding political climate. Read more…

These principles aim at capturing a broad set of good governance guidelines, which business associations in different countries can use to evaluate their existing practices and initiate improvements they deem necessary. Read more…

Strong and well-functioning political parties are essential to democracies because political parties link citizens with their governments. Parties’ platforms help political parties connect effectively with citizens, influence policy, and bring about economic growth. This publication can help guide political parties in developing platforms, particularly platforms’ economic component, through consultation with constituents and stakeholders. Think tanks and civil society organizations can also refer to the contents of this guide. Read more…

Kim Eric Bettcher, Public-private dialogue strengthens policymaking by incorporating valuable private input and creating momentum for reform. For dialogue to be most productive, the private sector must take initiative to advocate for its priorities in a participatory policy process. This toolkit aids business leaders who seek to improve their participation in dialogue for better policy results. The toolkit explains: Read more…

The participation of the private sector in the fight against corruption is key to success. The most effective anti-corruption programs engage the private sector in institutional reforms that promote competitive markets and good governance. The business community can take positive action both in the public arena – by advancing legal and regulatory reforms and transparency in government – and in the private sector – through improved corporate governance, better information, and voluntary standards. Read more…

John D. Sullivan, Ethics, anti-corruption, and corporate governance practices figure today as mainstream considerations in business decisions about competitive advantage and financial performance. Ten years ago the story was altogether different. At best, these topics were acknowledged as marginal non-financial issues, and at worst, they were rejected or denounced as irrelevant to the core objective of profit maximization. Read more…