About the
Independent Institute

Our Mission

Our mission is to boldly advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity.

THE INDEPENDENT INSTITUTE is a non-profit, non-partisan, public-policy research and educational organization that shapes ideas into profound and lasting impact through publications, conferences, and effective multi-media programs.

Applying independent thinking to issues that matter, we create transformational ideas for today’s most pressing social and economic challenges. By connecting these ideas with organizations and networks, we inspire action that can unleash an era of unparalleled human flourishing at home and around the globe.

Today, the influence of partisan interests is so pervasive that public-policy debate has become too politicized and is largely confined to a narrow reconsideration of existing policies. In order to fully understand the nature of public issues and possible solutions, the Institute’s program adheres to the highest standards of independent scholarly inquiry.

Research
Centers

The resulting studies are published and widely distributed as books, articles in The Independent Review, Policy Reports, Working Papers, and other publications. Events sponsored by Independent bring together scholars and policy experts to debate issues and discuss their implications. This work is conducted in conjunction with 
a series of educational centers:

Subscribe to our Newsletters

In addition, Independent publishes the quarterly newsletter, The Independent, and the weekly email newsletter, The Lighthouse. We maintain an extensive online archive of Institute articles and studies on a variety of issues.

Awards &
Accreditations

2024 Eric Hoffer Book
Award

2024 American Legacy Book
Awards

2023 International Book
Awards

2024 IBPA Benjamin Franklin
Awards

2023 “Best Book” Awards
(American Book Fest)

2023 Next Generation Indie
Book Awards

The Alexis De
Tocqueville Award

To honor the tradition of Tocqueville’s pioneering work, the Independent Institute awards The Alexis de Tocqueville Award to outstanding individuals in recognition of their dedication and contributions which advance our knowledge and practice of the principles of individual liberty as the foundation of free, prosperous and humane societies.

Reviews

What Others are Saying About the Independent Institute

The work of the Independent Institute has been recognized by numerous notable individuals and publications. Here is an example of his opinions.

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The program of the Independent Institute is excellent.

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GARY S. BECKER

late Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, University of Chicago

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David Theroux is a miracle worker.

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MILTON FRIEDMAN

late Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences

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The Independent Institute is our beacon for the future of liberty!

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GEORGE GILDER

bestselling author, The Scandal of Money, Wealth and Poverty, Knowledge and Power, The Spirit of Enterprise, Microcosm, and other books

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The Independent Institute is to be congratulated for its superb work.

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GERALD R. FORD, Jr.

late 38th President of the United States

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[T]heir stock-in-trade is ideological consistency. They win support precisely because they aren’t for sale

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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
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The eminent Independent Institute has for many years been active in advancing excellent scholarship of economics.

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LORD PETER T. BAUER

late Emeritus Professor of Economics, London School of Economics

independent institute

The Lighthouse Logo

The Independent Institute’s logo was inspired by Ronald Coase’s renowned 1974 essay in the Journal of Law and Economics, “The Lighthouse in Economics”.

Get Involved

Student Programs

Educational resources and opportunities for young people to engage with important social and economic issues.

Careers

Meaningful roles for individuals committed to advancing public policy and fostering independent thought.

The Organization

Financial Information

Insights into the Institute’s funding sources and expenditures, allowing the public to understand how contributions support our mission.

Annual Reports

Review the Institute’s achievements and initiatives, highlighting its impact on public policy and community engagement over the past year.

Have Questions or Feedback?

We’re here to help! Reach out to us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Your voice matters!