Selects: What are think tanks all about?
8Digest
This episode delves into the world of think tanks, starting with their origins and ideal function as non-partisan, fact-based organizations dedicated to producing research that informs public policy. The hosts discuss how think tanks have evolved over time, particularly after World War II, when they proliferated and became more influential in shaping government agendas. They highlight the rise of advocacy think tanks, which openly align with specific political ideologies, and the increasing role of corporate funding in influencing research and shaping policy outcomes. The episode explores the concerns surrounding the loss of independence and objectivity in think tanks, as well as the impact of the "death of expertise" on their credibility and influence. The hosts also discuss the ethical implications of think tanks acting as unregistered lobbyists for corporations, raising questions about their tax-exempt status and the potential for conflicts of interest. The episode concludes with a reflection on the changing landscape of think tanks and the challenges they face in maintaining their relevance and integrity in an increasingly polarized and information-saturated world.
Outlines
Introduction to Think Tanks
This Chapter introduces the concept of think tanks, explaining their purpose as non-profit organizations that conduct research and develop policy recommendations to influence public policy. The hosts discuss the ideal function of a think tank, emphasizing its non-partisan nature, fact-based approach, and lack of a predetermined agenda. They also touch upon the historical origins of think tanks, mentioning Plato's Academy as a potential early example and highlighting the establishment of the Royal United Services Institution in Great Britain and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in the United States.
The Evolution of Think Tanks
This Chapter explores the evolution of think tanks, particularly after World War II, when they experienced a significant increase in number and influence. The hosts discuss how think tanks became more involved in shaping government agendas, with various organizations offering competing and sometimes harmonious policy recommendations. They also highlight the emergence of advocacy think tanks, which openly align with specific political ideologies and actively promote their agendas. The hosts discuss the concerns surrounding the loss of independence and objectivity in think tanks, as well as the impact of the "death of expertise" on their credibility and influence.
Corporate Influence on Think Tanks
This Chapter delves into the growing influence of corporate funding on think tanks. The hosts discuss how think tanks are increasingly reliant on donations from corporations and wealthy individuals, which can lead to conflicts of interest and compromise their objectivity. They provide examples of how corporations have used think tanks to advance their agendas, such as the Walton family foundation's funding of think tanks that supported the Affordable Health Care Act, despite the family's conservative leanings. The hosts also discuss the ethical implications of think tanks acting as unregistered lobbyists for corporations, raising questions about their tax-exempt status and the potential for conflicts of interest.
The Death of Expertise and the Future of Think Tanks
This Chapter explores the concept of the "death of expertise" and its impact on think tanks. The hosts discuss how the rise of the internet and social media has led to a decline in trust in experts and a proliferation of misinformation. They argue that this has created a challenging environment for think tanks, as their research and conclusions are often overshadowed by readily available, but often unreliable, information. The hosts also discuss the challenges think tanks face in maintaining their relevance and integrity in an increasingly polarized and information-saturated world.
Keywords
Think Tanks
Think tanks are non-profit organizations that conduct research and develop policy recommendations to influence public policy. They are often staffed by experts in various fields, such as economics, politics, and social issues. Think tanks can be categorized as either independent or advocacy, with the latter openly aligning with specific political ideologies. The influence of think tanks has grown significantly in recent decades, particularly in shaping government agendas and influencing public discourse.
Public Policy
Public policy refers to the actions, laws, and regulations that governments implement to address societal issues and achieve specific goals. It encompasses a wide range of areas, including healthcare, education, environment, and economic development. Think tanks play a significant role in shaping public policy by conducting research, developing policy recommendations, and advocating for specific solutions.
Corporate Funding
Corporate funding refers to the financial support that corporations provide to various organizations, including think tanks. This funding can come in the form of donations, grants, or contracts. The increasing reliance of think tanks on corporate funding has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for corporations to influence research and policy outcomes. Critics argue that corporate funding can compromise the objectivity and independence of think tanks, leading to biased research and policy recommendations that favor corporate interests.
Death of Expertise
The "death of expertise" refers to a growing distrust in experts and a decline in the value placed on specialized knowledge. This phenomenon is often attributed to the rise of the internet and social media, which have democratized information access and allowed for the spread of misinformation. The death of expertise has created a challenging environment for think tanks, as their research and conclusions are often overshadowed by readily available, but often unreliable, information. It has also led to a decline in public trust in institutions and experts, making it more difficult for think tanks to influence public policy and shape public discourse.
Lobbying
Lobbying refers to the act of attempting to influence government officials on behalf of a specific interest group. Lobbyists often use a variety of tactics, such as meeting with lawmakers, providing information, and organizing public campaigns. Think tanks have increasingly engaged in lobbying activities, particularly in recent years, as they have become more reliant on corporate funding. This has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for think tanks to act as unregistered lobbyists for corporations.
Affordable Health Care Act
The Affordable Health Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in the United States in 2010. The ACA aimed to expand health insurance coverage, regulate the insurance industry, and reduce healthcare costs. The law has been the subject of significant debate and controversy, with supporters arguing that it has expanded access to healthcare and opponents arguing that it has increased costs and reduced choice. The Walton family foundation, despite its conservative leanings, funded think tanks that supported the ACA, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of corporate influence on public policy.
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan, officially the European Recovery Program, was a U.S. program of economic aid to Western Europe after World War II. The plan was designed to help rebuild war-torn economies, promote economic growth, and prevent the spread of communism. The Marshall Plan was a major success, contributing significantly to the economic recovery of Western Europe and the containment of communism. The Brookings Institution, a prominent think tank, played a key role in developing the Marshall Plan, highlighting the historical influence of think tanks in shaping international policy.
Plato's Academy
Plato's Academy was a philosophical school founded by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in Athens. The Academy was a center of learning and research for over 900 years, and it played a significant role in shaping Western philosophy. The Academy is often considered to be a precursor to modern think tanks, as it was a place where scholars gathered to discuss ideas, conduct research, and develop theories. The Academy's focus on philosophical inquiry and its influence on Western thought make it a relevant historical example in the context of think tanks.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a non-profit organization founded by the American industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1910. The Endowment is dedicated to promoting international peace and cooperation through research, analysis, and policy recommendations. The Endowment has been a leading voice on international affairs for over a century, and it has played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. The Endowment's focus on international relations and its long history of influencing policy make it a relevant example in the context of think tanks.
Brookings Institution
The Brookings Institution is a non-profit public policy organization founded in 1916. The Institution is known for its research on a wide range of topics, including economics, governance, and foreign policy. The Brookings Institution has been a major influence on U.S. policy for over a century, and it has played a key role in shaping government agendas and influencing public discourse. The Institution's focus on public policy and its long history of influencing policy make it a relevant example in the context of think tanks.
Q&A
What is the ideal function of a think tank?
The ideal think tank is non-partisan, fact-based, and doesn't have a predetermined agenda. It aims to produce research that informs public policy and helps solve societal problems in a good way.
How have think tanks evolved since World War II?
After World War II, think tanks proliferated and became more influential in shaping government agendas. Advocacy think tanks emerged, openly aligning with specific political ideologies. Corporate funding also increased, leading to concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for biased research.
What is the "death of expertise" and how does it affect think tanks?
The "death of expertise" refers to a growing distrust in experts and a decline in the value placed on specialized knowledge. This phenomenon, fueled by the internet and social media, makes it challenging for think tanks to maintain their credibility and influence as their research is often overshadowed by readily available, but often unreliable, information.
Why are think tanks increasingly reliant on corporate funding?
Think tanks are increasingly reliant on corporate funding because there are fewer philanthropists willing to provide unrestricted donations. Corporations see think tanks as a way to advance their agendas and influence policy outcomes. This reliance on corporate funding raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for biased research.
What are the ethical implications of think tanks acting as unregistered lobbyists for corporations?
Think tanks acting as unregistered lobbyists for corporations raises ethical concerns about their tax-exempt status and the potential for conflicts of interest. Critics argue that this practice undermines the integrity of think tanks and compromises their ability to provide objective research and policy recommendations.
What are some examples of how corporations have used think tanks to advance their agendas?
The Walton family foundation, despite its conservative leanings, funded think tanks that supported the Affordable Health Care Act, which benefited Walmart's business interests. This example highlights how corporations can use think tanks to influence policy outcomes that benefit their own interests.
What challenges do think tanks face in maintaining their relevance and integrity in an increasingly polarized and information-saturated world?
Think tanks face challenges in maintaining their relevance and integrity in an increasingly polarized and information-saturated world. The "death of expertise" has eroded public trust in experts, making it difficult for think tanks to influence public discourse. The increasing reliance on corporate funding also raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for biased research.
What is the future of think tanks?
The future of think tanks is uncertain. They face challenges in maintaining their independence, objectivity, and relevance in an increasingly polarized and information-saturated world. The increasing influence of corporate funding and the "death of expertise" pose significant threats to their credibility and influence. However, think tanks can still play a valuable role in providing research and analysis to inform public policy and shape public discourse. They need to adapt to the changing landscape and find ways to maintain their integrity and credibility in a world where information is readily available but often unreliable.
Show Notes
Think tanks? More like stink tanks! We're kidding. Think tanks do valuable work, when they operate in a non-partisan way of course. Learn all about the history of these heady institutions in this classic episode.
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Total obfuscation, of purposes and means, perhaps unintentional.