DeepSummary
Think tanks were originally conceived as independent, non-partisan research organizations dedicated to producing evidence-based policy recommendations for the public good. However, in recent years, many think tanks have become heavily influenced by corporate and wealthy donors pushing specific agendas, undermining their objectivity and credibility.
The episode discusses how think tanks have shifted from being funded by philanthropic endowments to soliciting corporate donations, which has compromised their independence. Corporations now essentially hire think tanks to promote policies and research that benefit their interests, blurring the line between think tanks and lobbying firms.
The hosts lament that once-esteemed think tanks like the Brookings Institution are now partnering with corporations, lending their credibility to corporate projects in exchange for money. This transition from unbiased research to agenda-driven advocacy poses a threat to the societal role think tanks were meant to serve.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Think tanks were originally conceived as independent, non-partisan research institutions aimed at developing evidence-based policy recommendations for the public good.
- However, in recent decades think tanks have increasingly become influenced and funded by corporate interests and wealthy donors pushing specific agendas.
- This has compromised the objectivity and credibility of many think tanks, transforming them from impartial advisors into glorified lobbying firms masquerading as policy experts.
- Well-respected think tanks like Brookings Institution have partnered with corporations, lending their credibility to corporate agendas in exchange for funding.
- The erosion of think tank integrity is part of a broader societal phenomenon of declining trust in expertise and institutions.
- The tax-exempt status of agenda-driven think tanks is indirectly subsidized by taxpayers, which the hosts argue should be revoked given these institutions' lack of objectivity.
- The rise of social media and expedited news cycles has diminished the influence of rigorous, long-term policy research in favor of more immediately consumable opinions and advocacy messages.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “That's not the case any longer. As we learned in this episode, think tanks are open for business, and the US is far the worse off for it.“ by Josh Clark
- “If you're a taxpayer, you are funding that through these tax exemptions because we foot the bill for tax deductions.“ by Josh Clark
- “And the experts brought about the death of expertise themselves, in large part.“ by Josh Clark
- “There's not as many philanthropists who are just endowing think tanks with no strings attached anymore. There are plenty of philanthropists out there still that are funding think tanks, but their donations are directed, they're results oriented, they're very technocratic.“ by Josh Clark
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Episode Information
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
6/1/24
Think tanks? More like stink tanks! We're kidding. Think tanks do valuable work, when they operate in a non-partisan way of course. Learn all about the history of these heady institutions in this classic episode.
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