Political Science Research Guide
Think tanks, NGOs, IGOs
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Policy Commons: Global Think Tanks This link opens in a new window
Covers organizations around the globe, with careful attention to representing voices from the Global South and other underrepresented regions. It also contains the OECD library of policy materials (continously updated).
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PolicyFile This link opens in a new windowFull text policy papers from think tanks, research institutes, and agencies.
Think tanks are organizations that conduct research and provide analysis and recommendations on public policy issues. They are typically independent (although not necessarily non-partisan) and may be affiliated with academic institutions, governments, or advocacy groups. They inform decision-making through reports, briefings, and other publications.
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PolicyFile This link opens in a new windowFull text policy papers from think tanks, research institutes, and agencies.
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American Foreign Policy CouncilA think tank promoting U.S. global leadership and national security through research and advocacy on foreign policy.
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Brookings InstitutionA nonpartisan research organization that provides in-depth analysis of public policy issues in the U.S. and globally.
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Cato InstituteA libertarian think tank focused on promoting individual liberty, limited government, and free markets.
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Center for International PolicyA progressive organization that advocates for sustainable foreign policy, diplomacy, and demilitarization.
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Council on Foreign OrganizationsAn organization providing resources and analysis on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy.
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Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)A nonprofit focused on defending civil liberties and privacy rights in the digital age.
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Hoover InstitutionA public policy think tank at Stanford University which has a conservative and free-market approach to research.
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Pew Research CenterA nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and data-driven analysis on social and political issues.
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Urban InstituteA nonprofit research organization focused on economic and social policy, in particular issues affecting urban populations.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are independent, nonprofit groups that operate locally, nationally, or internationally to address social, humanitarian, environmental, or political issues, typically without direct government control or funding (e.g. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch).
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Amnesty InternationalA global human rights organization that campaigns to end abuses and promote justice, freedom, and dignity worldwide.
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Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)A nonprofit that uses science, economics, and partnerships to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable solutions.
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FIAN InternationalAn international human rights organization focused on securing the right to adequate food and nutrition, especially for vulnerable populations.
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Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)A media advocacy organization working to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ people.
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Global Fund for WomenA nonprofit that supports grassroots movements and organizations advancing gender justice and women’s rights around the world.
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Human Rights WatchAn international NGO that investigates and reports on human rights abuses, advocating for policy changes and accountability.
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OxfamA confederation of NGOs working to end poverty, inequality, and injustice through humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy.
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Refugees InternationalAn independent advocacy group that promotes assistance and protection for displaced people around the world.
Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) generally consist of representatives of sovereign states pursuing common goals and are established by a formal instrument of agreement (e.g. United Nations, World Trade Organization). They often publish reports and compile statistics that may be of interest to researchers.
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African Union (AU)A continental union of African countries that promotes unity, peace, development, and cooperation.
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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)A regional economic forum that fosters open trade and sustainable growth among Pacific Rim economies.
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Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)A regional organization that promotes political and economic cooperation and stability among Southeast Asian nations.
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European Union (EU)A political and economic union of European countries that work together through shared institutions on laws, trade, and policy.
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)A military alliance of North American and European countries committed to collective defense and security cooperation.
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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)An international organization that promotes policies to improve global economic and social well-being.
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Organization of American States (OAS)A regional organization concerning democracy, human rights, security, and development in North and South America.
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United Nations (UN)A global organization of member states working together to maintain international peace, security, development, and human rights.
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World Trade Organization (WTO)An international body that sets global trade rules, resolves disputes, and promotes free and fair trade among nations.
