LibGuides: POL 210 Research Methods in Political Science: Think Tanks

Think Tanks

“Think Tank” is the popular term used for a policy or research institute. These organizations conduct research and advocate for topics in issues social policy, political strategy, economic, military, technology and culture.

These institutes vary by ideological perspectives, sources of funding, topics and the people. These elements define the workings of the organization and their research focus.

Think Tanks and Civil Society Program
James McGann, PhD, Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program. “This Index is designed to help identify and recognize the leading centers of excellence in public policy research around the world. The report is compiled with assistance from over 1,500 peer institutions and experts from the print and electronic media, academia, public and private donor institutions, and governments around the world and ranks the top 150 global think tanks across four general categories: Top think tanks in the world, by region, area of research and by special achievement.
The Harvard LibGuide to Think Tanks
TheLibGuide created by the librarians at the Harvard Kennedy School Library and Knowledge Service has links to many United States and international think tanks. You should consider the think tank's mission, funding/sponsorship. Use the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program web site in conjunction with the list provided on this site.

Suggested Think Tanks

Brookings Institute
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals: strengthen American democracy; foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans; and aecure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
From the web site:The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a unique global network of policy research centers in Russia, China, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Our mission, dating back more than a century, is to advance the cause of peace through analysis and development of fresh policy ideas and direct engagement and collaboration with decisionmakers in government, business, and civil society. Working together, our centers bring the inestimable benefit of multiple national viewpoints to bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Carter Center
From the web site:The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
Cato Institute
From the web site: The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization — a think tank – dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.
Center for American Progress
From the web site:The Center for American Progress is an independent nonpartisan educational institute dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through progressive ideas and action.
Hoover Institute
From the web site: Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity, while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all mankind.
Hudson Institute
From the web site: Hudson Institute challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions to the future through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, health care, technology, culture, and law. Hudson seeks to guide public policy makers and global leaders in government and business through a vigorous program of publications, conferences, policy briefings, and recommendations.
Peterson Institute for International Economic
From the web site: private, nonprofit institution for rigorous, intellectually open, and honest study and discussion of international economic policy. Its purpose is to identify and analyze important issues to making globalization beneficial and sustainable for the people of the United States and the world and then to develop and communicate practical new approaches for dealing with them. The Institute is completely nonpartisan.
The Tellus Institute for a Great Transition
Tellus Institute was established in 1976 as an interdisciplinary not-for-profit research and policy organization.
United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
From the web site: The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress to increase the nation's capacity to manage international conflict without violence.
The Wilson Center
Web site for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Chartered by Congress the center seeks to be the leading institution for in-depth research and dialogue to inform actionable ideas on global issues.