PhD Summary: The Brains Behind the Party: Varying and Evolving Roles of Political Party Think Tanks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54195/plc.25167Keywords:
Political Party Think Tanks, political parties, think thanks, elite interviews, qualitative comparative analysisAbstract
Political parties are vital to democratic life, yet they face growing challenges such as polarisation, social media pressures, and internal instability. In this demanding environment, Political Party Think Tanks (PPTTs) - the ‘brains’ behind political parties - play a crucial but often overlooked role. This dissertation explores how PPTTs across Europe support their parties’ core functions, from supporting them in daily political activities to policy development, ideological renewal, and long-term strategy. Drawing on extensive qualitative research, including interviews, content analysis, and comparative case studies, it develops a typology of PPTTs and identifies the conditions shaping their functions. The findings reveal that the roles of PPTTs vary across time and countries, influenced by the level of autonomy, party dynamics, and internal organisation. By uncovering the evolution and diversity of PPTTs, this dissertation offers a foundational understanding of these unique political organisations and highlights their importance in sustaining democratic vitality beyond short-term electoral competition.
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