One of the most peculiar, and least understood, features of
the Washington policy process is the extraordinary dependence of
policymakers on the work of think tanks. Most Americans — even most
of those who follow politics closely — would probably struggle to name
a think tank or to explain precisely what a think tank does. Yet over the
past half-century, think tanks have come to play a central role in policy
development — and even in the surrounding political combat.

Caption
Ceremonial soldiers parade during the 79th anniversary of the Victory Day in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2024. (Sefa Karacan via Getty Images)