Think Tanks, Stink Tanks

Summary

James Corbett argues that Washington think tanks are not merely neutral research organizations. In his view, they often provide a respectable, “expert” channel through which wealthy donors and political interests shape public debate and government policy. Think-tank reports can set the terms of an issue, be amplified by the media, and give politicians cover for decisions that serve those interests.

Corbett uses several examples to illustrate this process. He discusses the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, which he says was established with support from AIPAC, and notes that its research director, Patrick Clawson, appeared in a clip discussing ways a crisis with Iran might be initiated. He also cites Brookings’ “Leave It to Bibi” proposal as an example of a think-tank strategy that, in Corbett’s interpretation, resembles the justification later offered for U.S. action against Iran.

Corbett says a Foundation for Defense of Democracies article about Iranian attacks was later reproduced nearly word for word in a White House statement. He also points to a 2019 RAND report that recommended measures including providing lethal aid to Ukraine as part of a strategy to overextend Russia.

Corbett traces the modern think-tank model to the RAND Corporation, which formed after World War II through military-related contract work. He describes RAND as a key institution in the development of the military-industrial complex and in shaping Cold War nuclear strategy. Drawing on an earlier interview with author Alex Abella, he argues that think tanks influence policy not only through their conclusions but also by deciding which questions are asked—and ensuring policymakers receive their preferred answers.

The episode also addresses censorship. Corbett says think tanks helped legitimize calls for online content moderation during the COVID era. Guest Hrvoje Morić recounts being removed from Patreon and PayPal after publishing material critical of official narratives, and connects those actions to networks involving the Atlantic Council and government agencies. Corbett and Morić also discuss reports of Pentagon psychological operations on X.

In an interview, James Bovard describes his early experience applying for a position at the Heritage Foundation and his broader disillusionment with Washington’s policy world. Bovard argues that many think tanks have become lobbying operations, often supported by foreign governments and other powerful interests. He criticizes their lack of meaningful opposition to government abuses during the pandemic, while acknowledging that think tanks could, in principle, provide independent analysis and challenge government claims. His proposed response is vigorous skepticism and recognition that Washington institutions tend to favor government power.

Corbett concludes that think tanks can help launder elite agendas into mainstream policy, but says organized policy research is not inherently bad. He raises the possibility of developing independent institutions focused on a freer future, while questioning whether existing alternatives have had much effect.

Presenters and Contributors

• James Corbett — presenter and interviewer
• James Bovard — interview guest
• Hrvoje Morić — interview guest
• Alex Abella — contributor through an excerpt from an earlier interview
• Patrick Clawson, Richard Stengel, and Lone Simonsen — speakers in archival clips discussed in the episode