Interest Groups
- Special Interest Groupsreports on performance evaluations from all special interest groups who provide them, regardless of issue or bias.
- Politicaladvocacy.org.Find Interest Groups by Subject
Libertarian think tanks (sample)
- CATO InstituteDedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace.
- Competitive Enterprise InstituteBelieving that people are best helped by a free marketplace, and not government regulation, the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) promotes Libertarian ideas through analysis, education, advocacy, and coalition-building
- Mercatus Center at George MasonAs is appropriate for a think tank named for the Latin word for “markets,” Mercatus advocates for free-market approaches to public policy, and works with policy experts, lobbyists, and government officials to connect theory with public policy
Liberal think tanks (sample)
- Brookings Institution"slight to moderate liberal bias" Moderate liberal/Centrist. "The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level."
- Center for American Progress"An independent nonpartisan educational institute dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through progressive ideas and action."
- Center for Economic Policy and ResearchExplores economic policies that affect the U.S. health care system, including Medicare. The Health Care Budget Deficit Calculator shows how future budget deficits would plummet if America had the same per person health care costs as other developed nations.
- Guttmacher InstituteAims to “generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, promote sound policy and program development and, ultimately, inform individual decision making” about some of the United States’ most divisive topics,
- Human Rights Watcha powerful organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.
- World Policy Institute"Develops and champions innovative policies that require a progressive and global point of view"
About think tanks
Think tanks are defined as "institutions affiliated with universities, governments, advocacy groups, foundations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses that generate public policy research, analysis, and activity." (Harvard University)
Click this link to find Think Tank Reports:
You can also find think tank reports in our library database called Columbia International Affairs Online Journals (CIAO). Type in a keyword and then limit your search to working papers to see think tank reports.
Conservative think tanks (sample)
- American Enterprise InstituteAEI is a private, nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics and social welfare.
- Competitive Enterprise InstituteDedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited government - a non-profit public policy organization.
- Heritage FoundationTheir mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies.
- Hoover InstitutionSeeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity, while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all mankind.
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research "The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research is a well-known Conservative think tank that seeks to “develop and disseminate new ideas that foster greater economic choice and individual responsibility.” Specifically, the Institute advocates for free market--based solutions to issues plaguing the economy, energy, education, healthcare, welfare reform, the legal system, crime reduction, and urban life, among a number of other things. "
- The Claremont InstituteWorking to restore the principles of the American Founding to their rightful, preeminent authority in our national life.
Non-Partisan/Independent Think Tanks (sample)
- Aspen InstituteThe Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Their mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues.
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs"The hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy.
- Carnegie Endowment for International PeaceMission is to advance the cause of peace through analysis and development of fresh policy ideas and direct engagement and collaboration with decision-makers in government, business, and civil society.
- Council on Foreign RelationsAn independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher.
- Kaiser Family FoundationFocuses on major healthcare issues in the US and, to a lesser extent, the world
- National Bueau of Economic Researchcommitted to “undertaking and disseminating unbiased economic research among public policymakers, business professional, and the academic community.”
- Pew Charitable TrustsPew’s work lays the foundation for effective policies and practices by invigorating civic life, conducting research, informing and engaging citizens, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause, and insisting on tangible results.
- RAND CorporationResearch organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges.