It’s been a whirlwind this year. So much has happened and we at SpeakFreely have also been working tirelessly to add our voices to the conversation, thanks to the many articles our contributors and correspondents sent us. This year, we published 65 articles covering issues ranging from culture, to economics to the many elections held throughout the year. But which pieces sparked the most interest? In this year-end wrap-up, we’re highlighting the top five most-read articles that resonated with you, our readers.
1. How Capitalism Helped a Rat Escape Poverty: A Libertarian Perspective on the Movie Ratatouille by Bisher Alshehab
I love a good OpEd about a movie and Bisher’s article tops the list of our most read articles with this great piece on Ratatouille. What in the world does the movie Ratatouille have to do with capitalism? In Bisher’s words:
“Ratatouille is a beautiful representation of how under a laissez faire capitalist system individuals are provided with an opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty, the freedom to pursue their passions, and flourish and prosper in their lives.”
If you’re curious about the intersection of pop culture and economic philosophy, this article is a must-read.
2. The Libertarian Party Presidential Nominee who will spar vs. Trump & Biden selected by Ian Golan
The elections are over, but maybe you’re still curious about what the Libertarian Party in the US was up to this year. Our readers most certainly were. In this article, Ian shares all you need to know about their presidential nominee and the party’s strategy during this historic election season.
If you’re intrigued by third-party politics or want to understand the alternative voices shaping U.S. elections, check out this article to know who the major players in the Libertarian Party this year were and keep an eye out for them in the future.
3. This European Election in Finland Free Markets Are Threatened Not Only by Radical Left and Right but also by the Centre by Aapo Warjovaara
“…it is not only the strengthened right that threatens liberty on the European level. Shifting all the blame on the populist left also misses a vital part of the story. A major danger lies in the fact that it is the centre that has abandoned the idea of liberty.”
This year, much attention has been given to the far left and far right in European politics. But one thing that has been overlooked is the role the centre has played. The centre abandoned its commitment to liberty, opting instead for bigger government solutions that have fuelled the extremes on both sides. In this piece, Aarpo goes over the rising EU skepticism, and appeal of political extremes in Finland, and its roots.
4. Why Modern Economics Education Fails to Engage Students: The Missing “Why” Behind the Math by Cody McCormack
Ever wondered why economics classes often feel disconnected from reality?
“From the very first micro and macroeconomics classes, students are thrust into a world of abstract models, equations, and calculus. We learn to optimize utility functions, solve demand curves, and apply calculus to production functions. While these are important skills, what is often missing is the context that makes these exercises feel meaningful. The educational focus on rote problem-solving, divorced from a broader understanding of why these tools matter, leaves students feeling lost.”
Economics matters—it affects our daily lives. But if you attend the average university economics class, you are thrust into a quasi-mathematical world that seems divorced from real-world implications. In this piece, Cody argues that economics education needs to return to its roots by emphasizing practical relevance and real-life applications.
5. Mozambique, The Path of a Dictatorship by Delvino Caconda
“Those who remain silent in the face of injustice are consenting to it. Injustice knows no middle ground. Either it is, or it is not. Either the elections were fair, or they were rigged.”
Injustice knows no middle ground, and Mozambique’s contested elections this year are a stark reminder of this truth. Allegations of irregularities and authoritarian tactics have cast a shadow over the country’s democratic process. Delvino writes about the unfolding political crisis. Check out the article and maybe you can get some ideas on what to do in your own country to safeguard democracy.
These great pieces would not have been possible without you. Thank you to all our readers for sticking with us this year, and a heartfelt thanks to our contributors and correspondents for making it all possible. As we step into the new year, we invite you to join us—whether by submitting an article, supporting us with a donation, advertising with us or simply continuing to engage with our work.
We’re excited for another year of amplifying voices and contributing to the fight for liberty. Here’s to a brighter, freer future in the year ahead!
