The Road to Freedom (2024) by Joseph E. Stiglitz argues that true freedom is impossible without economic security, fair competition, and strong democratic institutions. Stiglitz explains that decades of deregulation, rising inequality, and unchecked corporate power have narrowed opportunities for ordinary people while expanding the influence of elites. He emphasizes that market failures, weak social protections, and political manipulation have created a system in which many citizens lack the economic stability needed to exercise real freedom. Throughout the book, Joseph E. Stiglitz presents evidence showing how modern economies must be redesigned to support shared prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

In the second half of The Road to Freedom, Joseph E. Stiglitz outlines a policy roadmap to rebuild an economy centered on human well-being rather than concentrated wealth. He highlights the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and green technologies while ensuring that governments regulate markets to prevent abuses and protect democratic values. Stiglitz argues that freedom thrives when societies empower individuals through strong public institutions, fair taxation, and equal access to opportunity. By reframing freedom as a collective achievement rather than a purely individual pursuit, Joseph E. Stiglitz presents a compelling vision for creating a more inclusive, resilient, and genuinely free future¹.