The Influence Of Think Tanks On American Public Policy

Think-tank is a special and independent organization which can provide policy-makers with useful information, rational advice and optional suggestions. America is the country where think tanks are highly developed and can have a great effort on public policy. Hoover Institution is one of the most famous think tanks in America.Since it’s foundation in1919, Hoover Institution has transformed from a library which just focus on information collection to a powerful policy research center. During the special period of government power transition, it has contributed a lot to support the president candidates like Reagan and George W. Bush to step into the White House. Also, in common period, it concentrates on objective and practical policy research thus to produce neutral and authoritative policy suggestions. Hoover Institution tries to have an effect on public policy both in special and common periods.For think tanks, the promotion of research results is not less important than the research itself. So, on one hand, stuff in Hoover Institution work hard to produce research results of good quality. On the other hand, they try to build relationship with media which can give them exposition. With sound research results and wonderful promotion skills, Hoover Institution has caught much attention of medias like TV programs, newspapers and magazines. Through these channels, it can easily touch the public and help to create the environment for public policy. What’s more, Hoover Institution also catch the golden opportunity to present it’s research outputs in Congressional Hearing. The statement from Hoover Institution can be transformed to senators timely and exactly.From the role Hoover Institution played in two cases of president elections, we know the importance of this institution can not be explained well just by data. Meanwhile, from the quote rate of it’s research results by media and national meetings, we can’t deny it’s unusual role. But whether this data can be used as the measurement of influence on public policy has not got an agreement in academic field. However, this data can be useful material for us to learn the influence of think thanks on public policies.