LibGuides: Politics and International Relations: Organisations

Questions to ask when evaluating research by policy organisations/ NGOs/ think-tanks

Take care to properly evaluate research published by research/policy organisations (often called "think-tanks") as they are highly varied in their purpose and their ideological positions. Consider the following questions:

Who is the intended audience for the publication?
Who funds the organisation?
What is the purpose of any published output? Is the focus on thorough academic research or is it more focused on influencing policy?
Can you verify the evidence presented?

Selected research/ policy organisations

Amnesty International UK
Centre for European Reform
UK-based think-tank that focuses on debate and research into Britain's relationship with the EU and issues around European integration more broadly. It is funded by private-sector donations.
Chatham House
The Royal Institute of International Affairs, commonly known as Chatham House, focuses on research and analysis of international affairs.
Demos
Demos are supported by a wide range of private, charitable and public funders but do not accept funding from political parties.Their aims are to fund education and research for the public benefit in issues of politics, economics, the environment and public policy.
Electoral Reform Society
Independent campaigning organisation in the UK focused on democratic reforms, such as an elected House of Lords and alternatives to the first-past-the-post electoral system.
Human Rights Watch
Non-governmental organisation that conducts regular, systematic investigations of human rights abuses around the world.
Institute for Government
UK think tank that aims to provide research and analysis, commentary and public events that focus on the challenges facing government.
Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
UK think tank that produces reports on economic, political and social issues. They also publish the journal "Progressive Review", which is available online via Library Search.
International Institute for Strategic Studies
An international research institute that researches and promotes policy on military, geopolitical and geo-economic developments that could lead to conflict.
World Bank Open Knowledge Repository
The World Bank Open Knowledge Repository (OKR) is The World Bank’s official open access repository for its research outputs and knowledge products.

Think-tank databases and indexes

Think Tank Index: Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program
The Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania conducts research on the role that policy institutes play in governments and civil societies. They produce an annual Index that ranks the world’s leading think tanks across a range of categories. A very useful resource to discover think-tanks across the world.

Policy File Index (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
This unique resource for U.S. public policy research grants users access to timely, updated information from over 350 public policy think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, research institutes, university centers, advocacy groups, and other entities. Over 75 public policy topics are covered, from foreign policy to domestic policy. The majority of records link directly to the full-text report, paper, document, or other source. Content is updated frequently, with approximately 250 new records added weekly.

Library Guides

Politics and International Relations: Organisations

Questions to ask when evaluating research by policy organisations/ NGOs/ think-tanks

Selected research/ policy organisations

Think-tank databases and indexes

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