Now government support has declined and they are having to refocus on domestic issues or on more-diverse international topics, such as global warming and famine relief in Africa, according to James G. McGann, president of a consulting firm specializing in think tanks. Because governments worldwide have slashed general funding for think tanks, large foundations and other powerful donors are beginning to call the shots in the global market of policy thinking. Funders want it their way. Think tanks must constantly retool their agendas to meet new funding requirements.
Advocacy is on the rise.
More and more advocacy think tanks are gaining influence. Many think tanks have to play to the media in order to respond quickly to policy issues. Political change threatens researchers' independence. Governments in Africa, central Europe, and the former Soviet Union need the expertise of think tanks.