LIST OF PANELS

Think tanks have become relevant participants in policy networks and policy making around the world. Broadly defined as organizations involved in policy related research and advisory efforts, think tanks are frequently presented as independent civil society actors committed to supply evidence-based knowledge, and as bridging organizations committed to speak "truth to power". The course will critically examine the history and theoretical understanding of think tanks, and introduce suitable methods to study think tanks and think tank networks. Drawing on modified approaches to the study of interest groups (Schmitter and Streeck), we will focus on top down “logics of influence” and bottom up “logics of constitutencies" (corporate, academic, civil society etc.) relevant to examine the interrelation of interests and ideas and the ways in which think tanks are embedded in the economic, political, social and cultural fabric of society. Drawing on discourse coalition theory (Hajer), we will examine some of the the ways in which think tanks have become critical agents for the creation, distribution and contestation of story lines and policy narratives. The workshop will look at the composition of think tank boards, at critical links between think tanks (interlocking board membership) and at relevant output patterns. Particular attention will be paid to the transnational dimension of think tank networks.

Preconference Course