Reconstructive Critics: Think Tanks in Post-Soviet Bloc Democracies

This book provides the first in-depth examination of the activities of think tanks in the former Soviet bloc. Based upon detailed fieldwork, including interviews with think tank personnel and senior policy-makers in four countries, the author assesses their success in influencing policy and creating a citizenry that is better informed on key policy issues. Chapters include a general discussion of the policy research industry; a detailed profile of think tanks in Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Armenia; and a critical analysis of their policy record in these countries. Most important, the author offers a set of specific, concrete proposals for what the donor community - both Western foundations and bilateral and multilateral aid agencies - can do to strengthen the operations of think tanks in this rapidly changing region.