Ibn Khaldoun Essay Competition

The 2007 Ibn-Khaldoun Essay Contest
Theme: “Economics and Freedom in Islamic Societies”

Background:

The Atlas Economic Research Foundation announces the second annual essay contest about freedom in the Islamic Societies. This year’s theme addresses the relationship between free-market economic policies and freedom in the Islamic societies.

The contest is named after Ibn-Khaldoun to honor the scholarly work of this prominent Islamic historian, economist, and sociologist of the 14th century. His writings continue to inspire free-market scholars to this day, promoting the necessity of responsible government to promote economic prosperity and civilized nations.

The Atlas Economic Research Foundation was founded in 1981 by the late Sir Antony Fisher. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia (USA), it is a non-profit organization that advances freedom around the world by helping develop and strengthen a network of market-oriented think tanks.

This year, Atlas is supporting Malaysia Think Tank London to promote the contest to Malaysians residing both in Malaysia and in other countries. Malaysia Think Tank London is a young research institute founded in 2006 to promote personal responsibility, the rule of law and market solutions in Malaysian public policy.

About the Contest:

The 2007 Ibn-Khaldoun invites young people to write essays that reflect their views
about the relationship between economics and freedom within the Islamic context. Students are invited to write about historical or modern-day economic policy or policies in enhancing or diminishing freedom and prosperity in their country or region. They may propose policy recommendations, emphasizing the principles of property rights, free trade, globalization, etc. within the context of Islamic economic thinking.

We encourage you to be critical and support your arguments with evidence or analysis. Your conclusions should lead to practical policy prescriptions. All Malaysian entries will automatically be entered into a parallel but separate contest run by Malaysia Think Tank London.

Awards:
• 1st Prize Winner: $2,000
• 2nd Prize Winner: $1,000
• 3rd Prize Winner: $ 500
• Two Honorable Mentions: $ 250 (each)

The winning essays will be posted on Atlas’ website www.atlasusa.org and on Azad -
Atlas’s newsletter about freedom in the Middle East.

Winners will be given priority to attend our regional leadership workshops in different parts of the Middle East, potentially in Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, and Morocco.
In addition to the above prizes, the top 5 essays by Malaysians will also be posted on Malaysia Think Tank London’s website ‘www.malaysiathinktank.org.uk’. Malaysia Think Tank London will also compile these top 5 essays into a special publication.

Submission Guidelines:

Entries should be no fewer than 800 words and no more than 1,400 words, typewritten, double-spaced, and footnoted. Submissions may be written either in English or Arabic.

Who may join:
The contest is open to university students, undergraduate and graduate levels, who
are or below 30 years of age.

Each contestant is required also to send a brief curriculum vitae, summarizing his or
her academic and, if it applies, work history.

All qualified individuals will be considered for the contest, regardless of race, sex, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, or religious affiliation.

Deadline:

All submissions must be received on or before November 15th, 2007.

Judging Process:

Entries will be judged by a select group on the following criteria: clarity and
conciseness, coherence and logic, persuasiveness, and ability to offer practical
recommendations or solutions.

Send Submission to: sajid.anani@atlasusa.org

Atlas Economic Research Foundation: www.atlasusa.org
Malaysia Think Tank London: www.malaysiathinktank.org.uk