This site gives you a list of the top 50 think tanks. It’s a good place to start. I like to consult the University of Pennsylvania’s “Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program.” They provide de:
//www.brookings.edu/
Brookings Institute is usually ranked as the #1 think tank in the U.S. and as one of the five think tanks with the greatest global influence, often ranked #1 in that category as well. Brookin:
//www.heritage.org/
Heritage Foundation focuses on public policy “based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.” :
//www.cato.org/mission
Cato Institute focuses on public policy, and its aim is “…to originate, disseminate and increase understanding of public policies based on principles of individual liberty, limited government:
//www.hrw.org/
Note:
Human Rights Watch focuses on civil liberties and human rights worldwide. Their work is truly global in scale and they bring scholarship to bear on every aspect of human rights. Today, for example, they offer commentary on worker safety in the U.S., how the jewelry industry fuels human rights violations, Trumps actions and comments since the election, the effects of US “remain in Mexico” policy on children and families, infringements on journalism in China, rebel violence in Central African Republic, and the inequalities in availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Perspective – traditional liberalism; global www.csis.org
The Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) focuses on international affairs. Its daily brief The Evening is great going to bed reading – not in the sense of “it’s boring,” but in:
“CSIS’s purpose is to define the future of national security. We are guided by a distinct set of values – non-partisanship [they mean that], independent thought, innovative thinking, cross-disciplinary scholarship, integrity and professionalism, and talent development.” A modest agenda. Their definition of national security is well beyond “military strategy” and includes issues like global health, climate change, and human rights and the have programs with a regional focus as well. They DO have a strong focus on defense strategy. It is the overarching concern within which climate change, food security, poverty, and the African program are critical issues. Perspectives – traditional conservatism, US but with a strong global focus as well. www.jointcenter.org
The Black Institute is an action oriented think tank that is “… a Black-led policy and organizing institution dedicated to solving local problems and addressing the concerns of Black families:
education, economic fairness, environmental justice, and immigration reform. You have to click on the menu button (upper right of banner) and ten on research and publications to see the full range of issues TBI addresses. These are well-developed and documented policy pieces with a strong focus on community. Perspective – independent, national (but includes immigration) https://aipi.asu.edu/
