“A necessary and vital analysis of the corrupt and corrupting influence of think-tanks on policy and the policy process. Diesen shows how they are part of the echo chamber funded by defense contractors and associated ministries and corporations in the service of an ill-advised militarism, especially in regard to Russia, which has created a situation of permanent global war. The work throws a shaft of light on a dark corner of contemporary world politics, and exposes the dangers of unelected ‘thinkers’ on elected practitioners. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of democracy.” PROFESSOR RICHARD SAKWA, University of Kent

“In this excellent book, Professor Diesen explores the intrusive and growing political influence of think tanks. US foreign policy is further militarized as think tanks pursue a business model of selling political influence to the military-industrial complex.” CLARE DALY, Member of European Parliament

How do think tanks influence Western policies toward Russia? The influence of think tanks in Washington has grown immensely over the past decades in terms of producing research papers, engaging with the media, and having their staff enter government.

The ideal purpose and appeal of think tanks is their ability to function as a bridge between academics, the media, the public, and decision-makers. Political decision-makers are expected to be experts across a wide area of governance which becomes increasingly difficult as the world becomes more complex. Acquiring advice and enhancing competencies through cooperation with scholars at universities can be challenging as academics tend to focus on narrow research questions that take place within a wider discussion of theory and method. Think tanks respond to this challenge as institutions that provide focused research studies and policy papers to address specific and current challenges.

The negative aspect of think tanks is the power they wield, from controlling information to functioning as a waiting room for politicians out of office. Information is power, and a think tanks business model has been established that sells political influence in Washington and manufactures consent among the public. The military-industrial complex is the dominant donor to think tanks, which results in a bias toward military solutions and perpetuating conflict.

Russia remains a leading adversary of the West and has sustained Washington’s exorbitant military spending over many decades. Think tanks accordingly have a great incentive to push for a confrontational posture towards Russia as they operate in an industry where conflicts are profitable and peace produces losses A mutually acceptable post-Cold War settlement threatened the revenue of one of the largest and most influential industries in the US, which was reversed as a result of NATO expansion and renewed tensions with Russia.

This book explores how the think tanks function, and how their growing role has influenced US policies toward Russia.

Glenn Diesen is a professor at the University of Southeast Norway (USN) and an associate editor at the Russia in Global Affairs journal. Diesen’s research focus is Russia’a transition from the Greater European Initiative to the Greater Eurasian Partnership. Diesen has previously published nine books, a multitude of journal articles, and is a frequent contributor to international media. Recent titles include: Great Power Politics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I.B. Tauris and with Alexander Lukin The Return of Eurasia. Palgrave Macmillan, both in 2021.

1. Introducing the Think Tank Industry
2. The Rise of the Think Tank Industry
3. NATO and the Military Industrial Complex
4. Spinning Russia
5. Atlantic Council: NATO’s Propaganda Wing
6. PNAC: The Neoconservative Think Tank
7. CNAS: A Revolving Door for the Military Industrial Complex
8. RAND Corporation: Think Tank of the Intelligence Agencies
9. CEPA: Mobilising Central and Eastern Europe against Russia
10. Brookings Institution and Russiagate
11. ISW: The Institute for the Study of War
12. The Institute for Statecraft and the “Integrity Initiative”
13. The German Marshall Fund
14. The Legatum Institute
15. HJS: The Henry Jackson Society
16. Chatham House
17. Think Tanks in the Countering Disinformation Industry
18. Think Tanks and the Media
19. Think Tanks on Covid and Russia
20. Think Tanks and the Information War in Ukraine
21. Conclusion: Transparency Is Required to Restore the Purpose of Think Tanks
References