This week’s podcast is a recording of an event CIPE recently co-hosted with the National Endowment for Democracy titled "Defending Liberal Democracy in Emerging Markets: The Role of Free Markets and Rule of Law." Specifically, the event explored whether liberal economic reforms and accountability in economic policy can help bolster the consolidation of democracy and, if so, under what conditions. What are the common challenges facing liberal democracy and market economies? What are the economic arguments in support of liberal democracy? How can a free-market system respond to demands for economic and political inclusion? What types of reforms would promote a level playing field and accountability in government? Opening remarks were provided by: Greg Lebedev, Chair, Center for International Private Enterprise Carl Gershman, President, National Endowment for Democracy Three members of CIPE’s Free Enterprise and Democracy Network engaged in a panel discussion on the topic: Aurelio Concheso, President of the Advisory Board, Centro de Divulgación del Conocimiento (CEDICE), Venezuela Güray Karacar, Former Secretary General, Corporate Governance Association of Turkey (TKYD) Selima Ahmad, Founder and President, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) The discussion was moderated by: Karen Kerrigan, President and CEO, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council