Think tanks Flashcards
1
Q
Define think tanks
A
public policy organisations that seek to influence government policy
2
Q
What are the key features of think tanks?
A
- usually identified with particular positions on the political spectrum, such as left, right, green, & liberal
- though some undertake in-depth research into social and economic affairs, the focus is mainly on the political & policy implications
- they are not overtly ‘campaigning’ organisations; their purpose is to influence public policy & public debate rather than directly campaign for policy changes (which is more typical of pressure groups)
- they use the media & direct contacts with politicians, civil servants & other organisations in the policy community to disseminate their work in an attempt to influence politicians as well as wider public debate
- they generally initiate their own work & seek funding for it, rather than working on contract to public or private bodies (though some work may be done on behalf of political parties, or briefings organised covering specific topics)
- they are generally funded from charitable & corporate sources
3
Q
What is the point of think tanks?
A
- the main output of think tanks is the publication of their research & policy work, often accompanied by conferences & seminars
- you’ll often see pieces from key think tanks published in newspapers & reported on by television & other media
