Think Tanks
"Think tanks are independent organizations that engage in politics and public policy. They are distinct from political associations because they are generally not membership organizations...." (Source: Kurian, George Thomas and Jeffrey D. Schultz, Political Market Place USA, (Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1999).
There is no single satisfactory online listing of major think tanks. Among them, the sources below do identify the most important think tanks.
Think Tanks
(University of Michigan)
An excellent starting point, with links to comprehensive listings and to
individual major think tanks.
Discover the Network
Click on "Groups." This is a listing of liberal organizations
compiled from a conservative perspective. Not all organizations
listed are think tanks.
People for the American
Way
Click on either "Right Wing Watch" or "Right-wing Organizations."
This is a listing of conservative organizations compiled from a liberal
perspective. Not all organizations listed are think tanks.
FAIR (Fairness
and Accuracy in Reporting)
Click on "Back Issues" of Extra! magazine. The
May/June issue includes a listing of think tanks most frequently
cited in the media. Political orientation is included.