It is also worth noting that countries that are alleged to have spiralled downwards in terms of economic freedom are now far more pleasant places to live. From

It is also worth noting that countries that are alleged to have spiralled downwards in terms of economic freedom are now far more pleasant places to live. From personal experience, I would cite Ecuador. The same streets of Quito that were mortally perilous are now must-see features of package tourism; the bus journeys that would have taken 14 hours across the country now take 8. Income taxes are still far lower than many who make the top of the index and even the wealthiest have enjoyed the benefits of sustained growth and a relatively stable political climate (given the country's previous history). Yes, it is starting to look like these 'crony-populist regimes' that threaten economic freedom actually make people a good deal freer in material terms.