"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, V.P. for Contemporary Affairs and Corporate Programs, The Asia Society

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. Chapters include a general discussion of the policy research industry, a detailed profile of think tanks in Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Armenia, and a critical analysis of think tanks' policy record in these countries. Most important, the author offers a set of specific, concrete proposals for what the donor community—both western foundations and bilateral and multilateral aid agencies, can do to strengthen the operations of think tanks in this rapidly changing region.

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