Series
George W. Bush Institute
Freedom and Democracy
Supporting democratic values around the world by elevating institutions that serve their people and promote human dignity, human rights, and market economies
“Since World War II, America has encouraged and benefited from the global advance of free markets, from the strength of democratic alliances, and from the advance of free societies…. The 20th century featured some of the worst horrors of history because dictators committed them. Free nations are less likely to threaten and fight each other.”
–President George W. Bush
Freedom is under attack worldwide as many countries contend with democratic backsliding and authoritarian regimes flex their muscles in and beyond their own borders.
Now is the moment to reaffirm and expand our commitment to the democratic principles that have enshrined individual, political, and economic rights in free societies. Such principles have fostered relative peace and prosperity previously unknown throughout human history.
Experts
David J. Kramer
Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President
Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau
The Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director, Global Policy
Natalie Gonnella-Platts
Director, Global Policy
Chris Walsh
Director, Freedom and Democracy
Hannah Johnson
Deputy Director, Global Policy
Joseph Kim
Program Manager, Global Policy
Kaitlyn Kelton
Manager, Special Projects
Celia Siade-Cox
Associate, Global Policy
Nicole Bibbins Sedaca
Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow
Victor Cha
Senior Fellow
Jessica Ludwig
Fellow, Global Policy
Monica Vegas Kladakis
Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships and Outreach
Publications
Press release
The George W. Bush Institute and the ONE Campaign launch More Than a Match exploring North America – Africa connections through soccer
Dallas, TX and Washington, DC – Today, the George W. Bush Institute and the ONE Campaign launched More Than a Match – a new digital experience in which soccer meets trade, innovation, and opportunity.
Publication
Voices from Iran
Series
The Struggle for Freedom
Publication
Ukraine can still win
In Freedom and Democracy
The latest
Commentary · Aug 25, 2026
What Ukraine’s Independence Day reminds us this year
Thirty-five years ago this week, Ukrainians chose independence. In 2026, through unprovoked terror and the targeting of civilians, Russia is trying to reverse that choice by force.
Policy Recommendations · Aug 13, 2026
CRINK countries increasingly cooperate around the world. U.S. policy must reflect this new dynamic
CRINK may not be an alliance, but American strategy should be based in the fact that our adversaries understand, and exploit, the knowledge that when they help each other, it’s harder for America to confront them independently.
Video · Aug 12, 2026
Struggle for Freedom spotlight: Nazeela Elmi
Policy Recommendations · Jul 31, 2026
Americans should redouble support for the religious freedoms our nation was built on
The United States has long been a leader in advocating for freedom of religion or belief around the world – even before becoming a nation in the 1660s.
Article · Jul 30, 2026
More than a match: Africa showcases its best at World Cup
Africa’s role in the 2026 World Cup has been significant and, in many ways, serves as a metaphor to its rapidly expanding and influential role on global prosperity and security at large.
Article · Jul 27, 2026
From World Cup to the Olympics, Putting America's Best Foot Forward
For many World Cup visitors, the United States they encountered was very different from the caricature of politicians and social media. They found America, in all our exuberance and goofiness.