The Role of Think Tanks

Muhammad Asadullah
April 21, 2009

Outline
Definition of Think Tank Types of think tanks Traditional think tank types Think Tanks in Brief Role of Think Tank Nature of Think Tank How to measure the influence of think tank

Indicators of think tank influence

What is it.???
A think tank (also called a policy institute) is an organization, institute, corporation, or group that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economy, science or technology issues, industrial or business policies, or military advice. Many think tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the US and Canada provide with tax exempt status. While many think tanks are funded by governments, interest groups, or businesses, some think tanks also derive income from consulting or research work related to their mandate

Types of TT
Pro government Right Left
Pro-market approaches/Free Market

Globalization Faith based

Traditional think tank types

academic contract research advocacy party-affiliated

Think Tanks in Brief

One answer to question: how to organize and deliver knowledge in ways that support the pursuit and exercise of political power?

Role of think tank

J. McGann, R. Kent Weaver, ed, Think Tanks & Civil Societies, Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, 2000, p. 3

(1) playing a mediating function between the government and the public

Role of think tank

(1) playing a mediating function between the government and the public; (2) identifying, articulating, and evaluating current or emerging issues, problems or proposals; (3) transforming ideas and problems into policy issues; (4) serving as an informed and independent voice in policy debates; (5) providing a constructive forum for the exchange of ideas and information between key stakeholders in the policy formulation process

Nature of Think Tank More or less autonomy from states More or less autonomy from corporations

How to measure the influence of think tank

1. Issue articulation 2. Policy formulation (such as studies, evaluation, briefings, testimony, consultation, networking, iconic projects, demonstration effects)

How to measure the influence of think tank

1. Issue articulation 2. Policy formulation 3. Policy implementation (such as contracting, advisory, media, supply of officials, training, database maintenance)

Indicators of think tank influence

1. Supply indicators: Proximity, funding and staffing level, fraction of total donor resources in US, staffing levels, networks of key players

Indicators of think tank influence

1. Supply indicators 2. Demand indicators: Media exposure, testimony, briefings, official appointments, perched officials, consultation by officials or departments/agencies, conducive or receptive political environment

Indicators of think tank influence 1. Supply indicators 2. Demand indicators 3. Mission indicators: Recommendations considered or adopted by policymakers; perceptions of users; network centrality; advisory role to parties, candidates, transition teams, awards, publication in or citation of publications in academic journals, listserv and website dominance, adoption of contrarian positions (that is, opposed to official line)

Example 1: CEIP and Iraq War

Bush Administration had to respond UN allies floated the idea after briefings Congressional testimony Media coverage

TTT Example 2: Heritage

change mental maps

printer friendly pocket cards

Virtual Think Tanks Transnational Think Nets

Enabling conditions: Internet + globalization

Transnational Think Nets

global public policy networks single issue global social movements diasporic networks transecting transnational networks

Key Concepts for Transnational Think Nets

the information milieu of the global public sphere is the critical domain for policy articulation and implementation because it contains the common knowledge and shared reference points that are critical to successful negotiation seek to identify natural affines that share weak links solution to the small worlds problem

INFOAXIOM 2
www.infoaxioms.org
Common Knowledge and Networks
Speed of diffusion varies by weak-strong links (less processing, less distance, fastest communication in weakly coupled networks)