Iran Debate Illustrates Think Tanks’ Niche in the Policy Ecosystem

Ellen Laipson, president and chief executive officer of the Stimson Center, a Carnegie Corporation grantee, writes that an important feature of the intense debate over the Iran nuclear deal is the mass of contributions made by diverse civil society organizations.

White House graphic of the plan for monitoring Iran’s nuclear program.

Ellen Laipson, president and chief executive officer of the Stimson Center, a Carnegie Corporation grantee, writes that an important feature of the intense debate over the Iran nuclear deal is the mass of contributions made by diverse civil society organizations. “Think tanks in particular are playing a prominent role in educating the public and engaging with journalists and congressional offices,” Laipson writes in World Politics Review, “whether to amplify, endorse or critique the Obama administration’s position.” Whatever their ultimate political action, members of Congress will base their decisions on this available information and analysis – along with a host of other political factors.  Read more here.