The Hidden Power of Think Tanks

🕵️‍♀️ What Are Think Tanks?

Think tanks are some of the most powerful organizations that most people have never heard of. They play a crucial role in shaping policies at local, state, national, and even global levels. By hiring the smartest experts and paying hefty salaries, think tanks influence legislation more effectively than some elected officials.

🌏 The Influence on Policymaking

Think tanks have become so embedded in the political process that Washington would come to a halt without them. They are not shadowy organizations manipulating power; rather, insiders claim they are essential for maintaining democracy. But what do they really do?

📚 Expert Advice on Complex Issues

Politicians must legislate on diverse fields where they often lack expertise. If a politician needs to decide on a law involving intricate details about agricultural fertilizers and nitrate limits, think tanks offer indispensable support. They employ experts, produce studies, conduct surveys, and collect massive data stacks to guide lawmakers.

📞 A Friendly Service for Lawmakers

Think tanks also provide a friendly service where lawmakers can call for advice on specific issues or talking points for debates. This arrangement benefits both the scientists providing the data and the politicians who need quick, informed answers.

💵 Follow the Money

Think tanks need funding to operate, and the money has to come from somewhere. Large sums come from industries they represent. Although donating millions to political campaigns is regulated, donations to think tanks remain anonymous and unlimited. This lack of transparency can lead to donors expecting favorable laws in return.

📈 Growing Numbers and Influence

According to MIT, over 800 think tanks operate in the U.S. today, and their numbers have increased by 58% in the past 25 years. This growth underscores their effectiveness at influencing laws, backed by substantial donations.

📝 Manipulating the Narrative

A significant concern is that think tanks can manipulate research to favor their donors. If a think tank produces a report that doesn’t support a benefactor’s argument, they can choose not to publish it. Unelected experts funded by industries can bias legislation with little oversight.

📊 E-scooters and Industry Favoritism

Imagine you’re an investor in e-scooter rentals, needing favorable legislation to keep your business thriving amid public complaints. Funding a think tank to produce a supportive report is a strategic move. This biased research can then be used in political arguments, undermining opposition lacking similar resources.

🚬 The Dark Side of Think Tanks

Think tanks have a history of subverting public interest for profit. Their research has been used to dispute harmful industry links, from smoking and cancer to CO2 and climate change. Correspondence between tobacco executives and a public health think tank revealed a chilling strategy: “doubt is our product.”

💊 The Battle Over Obesity Drugs

Pharmaceutical companies and fast food giants are currently waging a think tank battle over obesity drugs like OIC. Pharma-backed think tanks extol the health benefits, while snack companies fund studies highlighting potential risks, creating public uncertainty.

🚀 The Role of RAND Corporation

One of the most influential think tanks, the RAND Corporation, receives millions from the U.S. military and other donors. Its research influenced major policies, from the Cold War’s nuclear strategy to healthcare advice. These insights justified large military budgets even during peacetime.

🎓 Nonprofits with Salaries

Though technically nonprofits, think tanks can pay substantial salaries, often attracting former public sector employees. Think tank roles often become lucrative retirement plans for politicians, creating personal incentives to collaborate closely on policymaking.

🛠️ The Necessity and the Pitfalls

In an ideal world, politicians would consult constituents and unbiased experts. However, the reality is starkly different. Today, think tanks draft legislation and offer advice that politicians and even the media rely on. The influx of big money has corrupted their potential for good, as there’s no one left to fact-check the fact-checkers.

📰 The Media’s Dependence

Journalists heavily rely on think tanks, given the infeasibility of conducting in-house investigations. Think tank reports feature prominently in the press, further emphasizing their crucial role and the ethical dilemmas they present.