Inspired by the 18th-century French philosopher and journalist Frederic Bastiat, this prize was developed to encourage and reward writers whose published works promote the "institutions of a free society": limited government, rule of law brokered by an independent judiciary, protection of private property, free markets, free speech, and sound science. The overall prize fund is US$18,000 for all prizes, including online. Starting in 2009, an online prize is being awarded in the amount of US$3,000, and the print prize is US$10,000 first prize, second US$4,000, 3rd US$1,000. (US$15,000 in all). The Prize is open to all writers, anywhere in the world; writers need not be associated with any specific publication.

Consideration will be given to the articles on the following criteria: intellectual coherence; persuasiveness; wit and relevance; clarity and simplicity; and wider impact. Articles must be in English and should not exceed 4,500 words, published between July 1 2008 and June 30 2009.

Click here for more information and the rules of submission.


Entries can be submitted through the online entry form or by email, fax, or post using the contact information below. Submissions by fax, post, or email must include a Bastiat Prize Submission Form, available here in PDF format or available by email through the prize administrator. To email the Bastiat Prize, replace "AT" with @ and "DOT" with a period in this address: bastiatprize AT policynetwork DOT net (The Bastiat Prize administrator has written the address in this way to avoid internet-based spam).

Click here to read about previous winners.

IFEX Communiqué on May 27 2009; and email from Marc Sidwell to The Communication Initiative on June 5 2009.