The Legatum Institute is distinguished by its business approach to the practice of development, its holistic approach to the philosophy of development, and its integrated approach to the dimensions of development.

Business is development

Legatum’s long experience of successful investing in emerging markets has demonstrated that an enterprise-based approach provides the most effective solutions to social and developmental problems, and the optimal allocation of capital leads to optimal personal and national outcomes.  This points to the need for the transformation of the philanthropic marketplace.

Holistic

Just as genuine prosperity encompasses both material wealth and personal well-being, so a holistic philosophy of development grounded in human dignity encompasses human rights, political liberty, religious liberty, economic liberty, security, and a growing standard of living.  There are a number of factors which lead to human flourishing; the Institute will research and promote them.  Freedom of choice is indispensable, yet must be reinforced by a culture of responsibility.  Grace extended should elicit gratitude in response, in word and deed.

Integrated

Development cannot be sequestered from the whole array of challenges experienced and posed by impoverished, transitioning, or autocratic countries.   Weak and failing states serve as safe havens for transnational terrorism and inducements to further conflict.  Political repression and economic stagnation increase the appeal of extremism, and autocratic rule combined with  increasing wealth may lead irresponsible use of power but does not generate true prosperity.  Inefficient energy use and natural resource exploitation distort commerce and destabilize governing institutions, and poor governance and corruption stifle economic growth and facilitate international crime and weapons proliferation.  An integrated and comprehensive approach to development must address all of these issues, and address them together. 

The Legatum Institute is unique in its philosophical commitment to human dignity, liberty, and prosperity, its market principles and business approach to addressing global challenges, its integrated understanding of development, governance, and national security, and its willingness to test and implement its findings through “real world” programs.   It forms an intellectual hub for the Legatum group of companies, learning from them and nurturing and protecting the core purposes of the organisation.  It is a “think tank with teeth” that contends for good ideas that deliver great consequences.