Think Tanks

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This page provides links to think tanks, which are non-profit organizations that provide analysis and research intended to influence public policy.

It is often difficult to discern a think tank's political orientation. I've shared some information about the organizations' ideologies in the annotations on this page. You'll also find a more complete listing on page 542 of M. Ahmad's article "US Think Tanks and the Politics of Expertise: Role, Value and Impact", which appears in volume 79(4) of Political Quarterly.

Google Scholar allows you search for think tank reports and scholarly journal articles at the same time. However, if you only search Google Scholar you are very likely to miss some good think tank reports and journal articles. The key to conducting high-quality, comprehensive research is to use the tools as complimentary resources.

Also, Harvard University offers a customized feature that enables users to search more than 400 think tanks.

Use the search box at the top of the list to search all of these sites simultaneously.

Brookings Institution
The Brookings Institution is one of the most cited think tanks. Often considered centrist, Brookings has been referred to as both a liberal and conservative organization by major media outlets.
Cato Institue
The Cato Institute states that it is "dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace." Cato advocates a libertarian ideology.
Center for Best Practices
The Center for Best Practices is a non-profit division of the National Governors Association. Its target audience is state governors and their staff.
Center for Budget & Policy Priorities (CBPP)
Most media outlets consider CBPP to be a liberal/progressive think tank. "The Center conducts research and analysis to help shape public debates over proposed budget and tax policies and to help ensure that policymakers consider the needs of low-income families and individuals in these debates."
The Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank. Its mission is "to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."
Kaiser Family Foundation
Kaiser Family Foundation is a source of "facts, information, and analysis" on health care policy.
Rand Corporation
Unlike many think tanks, Rand aims to be non-ideological. Its mission is "to help improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis."
The Urban Institute
The Urban Institute is generally viewed as left-leaning.

PSC 249 - Intermediate Writing in Political Science: Think Tanks

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Think Tanks