Does a Country's Strength Increase in Proportion to its Freedoms?

A country's strength increases in direct proportion to its freedoms.
Describe a specific situation in which a country's strength might not increase in direct proportion to its freedoms. Discuss what you think determines when a country's strength will increase in direct proportion to its freedoms and when it will not.
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A nation may qualify as "strong" when it demonstrates high economic stability, low crime, and leadership in innovation and technology. Nations that generally exhibit such factors allow its people to enjoy broad freedoms in all levels. The United States, currently seen as the world's strongest nation, bases its system on its Constitution---specifically the Bill of Rights which outline the various freedoms given to citizens. Without these freedoms, the United States would not have flourished during the late twentieth century. That is, freedom is an essential basis for economic and social growth in a nation.

In general, the freedom of speech, press and assembly allow people to freely express their thoughts (within certain limits) without government reprisal. The absence of fear encourages people to come up with new ideas and exchange information with each other. The plethora of information allows innovators and entrepreneurs to commercialize their protects and build new industries. Indeed, the economic growth resulting from the free flow of information helps strengthen a nation and its people.

Search for the freedom of religion drove the early Colonialist to separate themselves from the mother country, England. The ability to practice (or not practice) one's own religion allows people to think for themselves and not fear the government. Indeed, the ability to be true to oneself allows a greater trust and appreciation for a nation---especially, when juxtaposing a "free" system to those of other countries where people are stoned for expressing "sacrilegious" thoughts.

More controversially, some may argue that greater economic freedom results in a nation with higher quality of living standards. Economic freedom is generally thought to be system where citizens can pursue economic activity without interference from the government. This interference may take the form of tariffs imposed on certain imported goods to protect the domestic market. Some believe that "protectionism" stifles innovation by eliminating competitive pressures. It follows that the lack of innovation results in a weaker nation.

Broad freedoms for citizens can only make a country stronger in terms of greater economic output, lower crime and more innovation. Sometimes, though, a country may not become stronger in proportion to its freedoms. Certain freedoms are abused and influence people in an adverse way. This may include freedom to spread ideas that corrupt the minds of young people and lead them in the wrong direction. That is why it is essential to teach people how to distinguish good and bad information and to also promote proper parenting. However, the presence and free flow of bad information are not outweighed by the benefits of having a broad freedoms. More people will gain from having broad access to information and more opportunities to build innovative industries that strengthen a nation.