CIPE Insights - Center for International Private Enterprise

The Three Pillars of Economic Freedoms

CIPE Insight

Three anniversaries are converging, each marking a turning point that reshaped the economic lives of billions. The first is widely recognized: 2026 marks 250 years since American independence. The American democratic experiment ignited democracy as a political model that many countries around the world now practice in some form. Second, and a bit more obscure,...

Reflecting on the Role of Associations in 250 Years of American Democracy

CIPE Insight

“In democratic countries, the science of association is the mother science; the progress of all the others depends on the progress of that one.”1 Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) was founded to share the experience of American business associations with counterparts abroad on the frontiers of democracy....

Capital Isn’t Enough: Why Advocacy Is the Private Sector’s Most Valuable Asset

CIPE Insight

Capital alone cannot drive growth. Sustainable prosperity depends on rule of law, effective institutions, and empowered private-sector advocates who can push for reform within their own markets, align incentives, and support long-term economic development outcomes. Shifting toward trade and investment in foreign assistance will only succeed if the underlying business environment is strong.

CIPE Counters Foreign Malign Influence and Boosts Economic Resilience and Global Prosperity

CIPE Insight

CIPE works around the world to combat the harmful economic and expansionist influences of authoritarian regimes like China, Iran, and others by bolstering transparency, accountability, and the rule of law across critical industries.

What Entrepreneurs Teach Us

CIPE Insight

CIPE’s efforts to nurture enterprise ecosystems and create better conditions for business are core to its broader democracy mission in emerging economies. We assist entrepreneurial communities to empower individual entrepreneurs,...

When B5+1 is More Than 6: Connecting Business for Regional and Global Prosperity

CIPE Insight

Central Asia is considered to be one of the “least connected” regions in the world, in terms of cooperation and trade among the five constituent countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan,...

CIPE at 40: Highlights and Insights

CIPE Insight

As our world changes, CIPE is creating new opportunities and helping to improve the lives of millions of people. Private sector leadership and a commitment to democratic principles are what make CIPE programs so unique and impactful, because in most countries and communities, small and medium sized businesses are the economic engine. From Peru to...

Making a Business Case to Protect Digital Rights

CIPE Insight

With two-thirds of the world regularly on the internet, we are experiencing an unprecedented shift in how people spend their money and time. Most companies, big or small, are now dependent on the internet for supply chains, connections to customers, and market information. A vibrant and inclusive digital economy requires the protection of digital rights...

Marking Four Decades of Partnership with Chambers and Associations

CIPE Insight

Learning and innovation have played a crucial part in CIPE’s work over its 40-year history. Much of our efforts have been in partnership with business organizations in 138 countries, mostly...

The Inherent Link Between Democracy, Markets, and Human Dignity

CIPE Insight

Democracy is going through some trying times. Widespread popular discontent during the last decade leaves no room for doubt over the deepening crisis of legitimacy for liberal and market economy institutions. Autocrats...