The Bastiat Prize for Journalism

Inspired by the 18th-century French philosopher and journalist Frederic Bastiat, the Bastiat Prize for Journalism 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 International Policy Network (IPN) opens submissions to writers anywhere in the world whose published articles eloquently and wittily explain, promote, and defend the principles and institutions of the free society. In addition to the Bastiat Prize, there is a second award, the Bastiat Prize for Online Journalism.

The overall prize fund totals US$18,000 for all prizes. The online prize is being awarded in the amount of US$3,000. The print prize is being awarded in the amount of US$10,000 first prize, US$4,000 second prize, and US$1,000 third prize.

Consideration will be given to the articles on the following criteria: intellectual coherence; persuasiveness; wit and creativity; relevance; clarity and simplicity; and wider impact. Entrants need not be associated with any specific publication. Entries must be in English. Entrants can submit up to three articles or the main prize, or ten for the online prize, published between July 1 2009 and June 30 2010. No entry should exceed 4,500 words.