What are Regional Think Tanks and Their Role in Informing People in the Americas?

Illustrated map of the Americas with interconnected think tanks indicating regional influence.

Introduction: Who Shapes Your Opinion?

We live in an age of information overload. What we read, hear, and share is shaped not only by journalists, governments, and algorithms—but also by a lesser-known and extremely influential category: think tanks . These often regional think tanks have gained prominence in public debate in the Americas.

But what are regional think tanks ? How do they work? And most importantly, what role do they play in shaping your worldview?

Get ready to dive into an essential topic for anyone looking to understand what's happening behind the headlines.

What are Regional Think Tanks?

Think tanks , or "think tanks", are research institutions that produce knowledge on public policies, economics, security, the environment, human rights, technology, among other topics crucial to society.

When we talk about regional think tanks , we refer to those that operate with a focus on a specific geographic area — such as South America, Central America, the Caribbean, or North America — taking into account their cultural, social, and political specificities.

These organizations directly influence government decisions, leadership development, media positioning and, most importantly, the information that reaches you .

According to the Global Go To Think Tank Index (2023), the Americas have more than 2,000 active think tanks, with Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Canada and the USA among the largest centers.

Why are Think Tanks so powerful?

1. Influence on governments: Many policymakers consult think tanks before making strategic decisions.

2. Media Access: They are frequent sources of analysis in newspapers, magazines, radio and podcasts.

3. Leadership development: Think tanks train young leaders and build networks of intellectual influence.

4. Producing reliable data: In a scenario of disinformation, these are respected sources of statistics and reports.

5. Ideological alignment: Although many declare themselves neutral, several have clear alignments—conservative, liberal, progressive, or nationalist.

   
   

Examples of Think Tanks in the Americas

1. Brookings Institution (USA)

One of the oldest and most respected in the world. It operates with a global focus but has a strong influence in the Americas.🔗 https://www.brookings.edu

2. CIPPEC (Argentina)

Focused on public policy and social development, it has a constant presence in legislative and educational debates in the Southern Cone.🔗 https://www.cippec.org

3. Cebrap (Brazil)

The Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning is a reference in sociology and politics.🔗 https://www.cebrap.org.br

4. Wilson Center – Latin American Program (USA)

With a specific focus on Latin America, it promotes research on democracy, economics and security.

5. Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV-Brazil)

In addition to being an educational institute, it acts as a think tank, producing strategic reports on the country and the region.

The Role of Regional Think Tanks in Information

1. Complex Content Filtering

They transform technical studies into accessible language, making the information digestible for the general public.

2. Narrative Alignment

Many are funded by private groups, foundations, or governments. This can influence their agendas.

3. Media Education

They promote public debates, courses, and training that help citizens understand and question the political landscape.

4. Indirect Political Pressure

Articles, events, and reports are used to shape public opinion—and, consequently, pressure leaders and congresses.

How to identify a reliable Think Tank?

🔍 Checklist to save to your Google Drive✔

Clear funding sources✔

Qualified research team✔

Reports with verified data✔

Methodological transparency✔

Respect for diversity of opinions

📥 Link to download the checklist (template): https://bit.ly/checklist-thinktank-bomdiaamerica

Critical Information Consumption Tips

🎯 Search more than one source.

🎯 Check who funds the research.

🎯 Ask: “Who does this serve?”

🎯 Share only after checking.

Recommended Products and Infoproducts

📘 Book “ Think Like a Scientist ” – Ben Goldacre Ideal for learning how to identify biases and manipulations in research.🔗 Buy on Amazon

🎧 Hotmart Course – “ Critical Reading of the Media ” Learn to deconstruct narratives, identify fake news and understand the behind-the-scenes of information.🔗 See the full course on Hotmart

📊 Book “Factfulness” – Hans Rosling Debunks misconceptions about the world based on real data.🔗 Get it on Amazon

Support independent content production

If you value in-depth, accessible analysis free from corporate interests, support the Bom Dia América blog . Your support keeps this diverse, critical, and necessary space going.

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Conclusion: Think before you reply

Regional think tanks are not just observers—they are strategic actors in shaping reality. Understanding who they are, how they operate, and what motivates them is essential for anyone who wants to be a well-informed citizen in the Americas.

The next time you read a report, a headline, or a chart, ask yourself, "Who's behind this?" Chances are, you'll find a think tank.

References

BROOKINGS INSTITUTION. About Us . Available at: https://www.brookings.edu . Accessed: July 22, 2025.

CIPPEC. Who we are . Available at: https://www.cippec.org . Accessed on: July 22, 2025.

FGV. Institutional . Available at: https://portal.fgv.br . Accessed on: July 22, 2025. McGann, James. Global Go To Think Tank Index Report 2023 . University of Pennsylvania, 2024.

CEBRAP. History . Available at: https://cebrap.org.br . Accessed on: July 22, 2025.