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Many of the issues in the report are also evaluated in Freedom in the
World,whichassesses the strength or weakness of the core characteristics of freedom in
every country, including in the United States. But the narratives in an annual global survey
are naturally too brief to provide the sort of fulsome examination that we feel would be
useful in catalyzing a richer dialogue. Therefore Freedom House has produced its first
book-length study assessing the state of freedom in a single country.
The methodology used in this report is similar to those of other Freedom House
publications. Freedom House analysts prepared initial drafts of the chapters, which were
then reviewed by the distinguished scholars and experts noted in the Acknowledgements.
The Freedom House Board of Trustees has approved the methodology and approach
undertaken in this study. Many members of the board provided extensive input and made
important contributions that have greatly enhanced the quality of the report.
On behalf of all his fellow trustees, I want to take this opportunity to express our
appreciation to Stuart Eizenstat, vice chairman of the board, for his vital role in this
important project. Stu headed the board working group on the report, and his leadership,
careful reading of numerous drafts, and incisive observations played an important part in
ensuring the accuracy of the study, its fair presentation of legitimately competing interests,
and the salience of its conclusions.
The diversity of views represented on the Freedom House board—one of the great
strengths of the organization—helped to spur vigorous discussion and debate on various
issues in this report. While the board as a whole has approved the overall findings of the
study, individual trustees may not agree with each and every statement or conclusion. The
final editorial judgments, as with all Freedom House publications, were made by the
Freedom House editorial staff.
It is our hope that Today’s American: How Free? will spark renewed and informed dialogue
about the state of freedom in America, and how it can be further enhanced. We also urge
other societies to undertake their own self-evaluations. Freedom House would be happy to
facilitate the process, and to provide needed support and assistance.

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