The Role Of Think-Tanks In The Postwar American Public Policy Formulation And Causes Analysis

After world war ii, the various types of think-tanks developed rapidly in America, and became an integral part of the public policy formulation process by reserving talents for the government, acting as the bridge between the government and the public and having a positive impact on the public policy formulation by the way of policies assessment. The reason why think-tanks can have a great influence on the formulation of American public policy is largely due to the domestic social needs and the development of market economy, the unique political culture and political system and think-tanks'own uniqueness.This thesis consists of four sections:The first part introduces the development of American think-tanks. From the early 20th century to the end of the cold war, the American think-tanks went through four types—academic investigation type, the governmental contract type, domestic affairs type and policy promotion type. After the cold war, American think-tanks appeared a new trend, and gradually developed into two major networks—international and local network.The second part presents the functions and operating mechanisms of American think-tanks. The main function is to support the making of public policies, to provide the reservation and flow of talented personnel, to supervise the government acting as ideas broker and opinion leader, and realization of these functions needs flexible management methods and employment mechanism.The third part tells the role of think-tanks in the postwar American public policy formulation. It analyses the institutions that involves in the making of public policy as the congress, the administration, think-tanks etc, and discusses on the public policy formulation process and the role of think-tanks during this process.The fourth part analyses on the reason why think-tanks influenced the postwar American public policy formulation, mainly from national social needs, the development of market economy and unique political culture and political system to deal with.