Abstract
Think tanks in the last half-century have replaced universities as the main source of new policy ideas. The big Washington think tanks have taken their place alongside interest groups, media, and political parties as among the most influential organizations in American politics, including foreign policy. The author discusses the world of the Washington think tanks, how and why they are able to influence policy in ways that university-based academics do not, and the attractions and negatives of a think tank career. He analyzes the recent trends in think tanks, including their global spread. He concludes by asking if think tanks have now become victims of their own earlier success.
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