The role of American think tanks in the strategic thinking process at the public policy level

Abstract

American think tanks play a pivotal role in the process of strategic thinking and public policy-making in the United States, as they serve as an effective link between academic knowledge and political decision-makers. These institutions contribute to the production of strategic analyses and studies that help diagnose public problems, formulate policy alternatives, and assess the impacts of proposed policies in the fields of national security, foreign policy, economics, and governance. They also perform an advisory role by providing specialized expertise to Congress, the U.S. administration, and decision-making agencies, in addition to influencing public opinion through the media, seminars, and periodic reports.

The degree of influence exerted by American think tanks varies according to their ideological orientations, sources of funding, and proximity to centers of power. Nevertheless, taken collectively, they constitute a fundamental element in shaping long-term strategic thinking for public policies. They contribute to introducing new approaches and enhancing strategic planning based on scenarios and future forecasting, thereby supporting the decision-making process and granting it a more rational and anticipatory dimension. Accordingly, examining the role of these think tanks represents an important entry point for understanding the dynamics of public policy-making within the American political system