Barinova Ekaterina

The paper clarifies the definition of «think tank», describes the process of think tanks' development in Great Britain. The author classifies and describes the most influential non-profit independent policy research institutes. The issues under discussion include evaluation of think tanks' participation in British political discourse.

The author analyses factors that influence the role of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) as leading British think tank. The paper looks at the mechanisms which help Chatham House to form political discourse at the level of experts, business and policy-making.

We investigate the role of "think tanks" in the organization of effective communication between society and government, as well as providing legitimation of existing discursive practices.