E.J. Fagan is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He has published articles in numerous academic journals, including Policy Studies Journal; Legislative Studies Quarterly; Party Politics; and Political Research Quarterly. His research examines how political systems, parties, policymakers, and interest groups process information and make decisions.
Using a combination of case studies, data analysis, and real-life experience, this fascinating book takes us behind the scenes to show us the ways in which partisan think tanks succeed (and sometimes fail) in setting the policy agenda. The Thinkers makes a convincing case that such think tanks have played an important part in the increasingly partisan politics that have divided the United States in recent years. The role that these think tanks play makes it more difficult to base policy decisions on scientific or technical grounds—everything, even climate change, becomes partisan. * Beth Leech, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University *