Think Tanks – Part One – What’s the Big Idea?
Summary
Hosts Dorian Linsky and Ian Dunn explore the origins of think tanks, tracing their evolution from early 20th-century nonpartisan research bodies to modern ideological instruments. They examine how the term emerged from military jargon and how post-war institutions like Rand and Brookings championed technocratic expertise. The episode highlights the strategic shift in the 1950s, as figures like Anthony Fisher and the Institute of Economic Affairs adopted marketing tactics to promote neoliberalism, fundamentally changing how policy ideas are sold to the public.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Indeed, Xbox, and Akamai
Introduction: What is a think tank?
Etymology and definitions of 'think tank'
Early 20th century: Nonpartisan origins and FDR's Brains Trust
Post-WWII boom and the rise of RAND Corporation
The conservative critique of expertise and technocracy
Building the conservative infrastructure: AEI and IEA
The Heritage Foundation and media strategy
Think tanks in the UK: Thatcher and the CPS
Reagan's transition and the Olin Foundation pipeline
The Koch brothers and the Cato Institute
Conclusion and final sponsors
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