Think-tanks Social Democracy And Social Policy

The question of how a policy is made or why things simply stay the same in politics has long occupied the minds of political observers. This book explores the way in which very particular political actors made a difference to policy and politics. The analytical focus is on think-tanks, hybrid creatures which exist somewhere in the spaces between government, business and academia.

Think-tanks played a role in re-making the British Labour Party and German Social Democrats as 'Third Way' parties in the 1990s and 2000s. Think-tanks also helped to mould the 'workfare state' which is now characteristic of both countries. The book offers an insight into how think-tanks influenced decision-makers and how they were used by politicians and other elites to circumvent parliament and outmanoeuvre political parties.

Based on over 50 interviews with policy-makers, civil servants, analysts from think-tanks and party politicians, this book is an up-to-date overview of both countries' think-tank landscapes. Review: 'With this insightful and compelling study Hartwig Pautz provides a sophisticated analysis of the contribution think-tanks have made to the politics and policies of Germany and the UK between 1992 and 2005.

An illuminating read which will be enjoyed by scholars and practitioners alike.' - Ruth Wittlinger, Senior Lecturer in the School of Government and International Affairs, University of Durham, UK 'This book provides an incisive analysis of the respective contributions made by British and German think-tanks to the creation of key elements of social policy by the Labour Party and the SPD.

Based on extensive empirical research, Dr. Pautz's work makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the British and German polities, and, specifically, enhances our grasp of the role played by think tanks in the policy process.' - Robert Pyper, Head of School of Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, UK 'A worthwhile and enjoyable read for scholars and practitioners who would understand the way we live now.' - Derek Hawes University of Bristol, Journal of Contemporary European Studies