Acknowledgments

Given the nature and history of this project, we owe an enormous debt to many people. Without the assistance and guidance of both Michael Walker and Milton Friedman, this project would never have left the ground. Michael Walker organized the Fraser Institute/Liberty Fund conference series that provided the foundation for our measure of economic freedom. He also edited several of the conference volumes and provided both input and encouragement throughout. Milton Friedman's criticisms and suggested modifications shaped the research design of the project.

We also are indebted to several of the participants and contributors to the Fraser/Liberty Fund Series. Alvin Rabushka's paper presented in July 1988 at the second symposium sharpened the concept of economic freedom and provided direction as to how it might be measured. A theoretical paper by Ronald Jones and Alan Stockman presented at the fourth symposium held in Sea Ranch, California moved the process forward. Walter Block edited one of the volumes summarizing conference proceedings and he was also a co-author with us of Economic Freedom of the World: 1975-1995. At various stages of this project, the comments and suggestions of Stephen Easton, Zane Spindler, Douglass North, and Gary Becker have been particularly helpful.

The institutes of the Economic Freedom Network helped verify information and the DeVoe L. Moore Center of Florida State University provided the research and computer support that made the project feasible. Specifically, Kathy Makinen and Valerie N. Colvin gave invaluable assistance. Dexter Samida, Research Economist at The Fraser Institute and Administrative Coordinator of the Economic Freedom Network (www.freetheworld.com) did an excellent job of coordinating the publication of the book.

James Gwartney

Robert Lawson

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Last Modified: Wednesday, October 20, 1999.