Reconstructive Critics: Think Tanks in Post-Soviet Bloc Democracies

This book provides the first in-depth examination of the activities of think tanks in the former Soviet bloc. Based upon detailed fieldwork, including interviews with think tank personnel and senior policymakers in four countries, the author assesses their success in influencing policy and creating a citizenry that is better informed on key policy issues.

Ray Struyk's Reconstructive Critics provides a treasure trove of insightful information on the roles played by think tanks in opening up the policy process in the new democracies of the former Soviet bloc, as well as a thoughtful series of recommendations about how think tanks can improve their performance. It is bound to be the standard work on the role played by think tanks in the former communist states. -- Kevin Quigley, Vice President for Contemporary Affairs and Corporate Programs, The Asia Society

Reconstructive Critics provides a careful, thoughtful analysis of the emergence and current challenges facing think tanks in Eastern Europe, based on first-hand observation and extensive interviews. Struyk's delineation of the difficulties of establishing independent sources of policy advice in this region make it must reading for students of civil society and transitions to democracy. His policy recommendations to Western donors, East European governments, and think tank managers provide a welcome blueprint for building a more vibrant think tank sector in this region in the years to come. -- R. Kent Weaver, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution

Struyk has written a first-rate, comprehensive review of the difficult process of establishing independent think tanks in the postcommunist world. The book is a must for anyone working in think tanks in this area. -- Michael McFaul, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Stanford University, and Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace