The Transformation of American Politics: The New Washington and the Rise of Think Tanks

Rather than write a case study of think tank operations, Ricci ( The Tragedy of Political Science ) has concentrated most of his workmanlike book on the politics and history that have led to their spread. He spends much space synthesizing scholarship about such things as the growth of the secular, rational ``new class,'' the growth of bureaucratic ``Big Government'' and the loss of a sense of community. Public uncertainty is exacerbated by skepticism over the roles of television, proliferating interest groups and politicians who emphasize campaigning over governing. In the midst of such insecurity, think tanks have found a niche in the marketing of ideas, according to Ricci. He notes that it is difficult to measure the importance of think tanks, but cites one idea in particular that has benefited from think tank marketing: the gospel of free markets. ``It is recited confidently, it is packaged impressively, and it appears repeatedly because it is financed faithfully and generously.'' ( June )