http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/commentaries/02/may.htm

Walter Williams is an economist from George Mason University. Although this is a short article featured on PBS, which tend to be pro-societal change. Williams states that the more personal freedom the government of one country gives to it's citizens, the wealthier the country. The more a country dominates, through governmental policy, he stated, "the poorer the country." Although I didn't not research free market economies to those of greater government control, Williams may be on to something.