InfoGuides: Biodefense (Policy): Find Policy Analysis

Core resources for reports, working papers, etc.

Use these databases to find working papers, policy analyses, and other grey literature from research institutes, think tanks, etc.

If you use these databases off campus, you'll be asked to enter your GMU ID (first part of your email) and password.

Columbia International Affairs Online (CIAO) This link opens in a new window
Working papers, policy briefs, case studies, videos, and more in international affairs. Tip: CIAO is good for browsing working papers & policy briefs from individual institutions. Search option has limited functionality.
Economist Intelligence Unit Country Information This link opens in a new window
The best place for country-level facts & stats, up-to-date analysis, forecasts, and background information.
Policy Commons This link opens in a new window
Database for public policy, with millions of reports, working papers, policy briefs, data sources, and media drawn from a directory of more than 20,000 IGOs, NGOs, think tanks, and research centers on disciplines including agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, diversity, crime, librarianship, etc. Community tools allow users to upload, share, and discuss their discoveries. Tutorial for Policy Commons,
Policy File Index This link opens in a new window
Access domestic and foreign public policy research and analytical papers on governmental and legal topics, representing the work of think tanks, research groups, and academic institutes from 1990 to present. Tutorial for Policy File Index database.

CRS Reports
The Congressional Research Service produces concise, authoritative, non-partisan analyses on most policy topics.

Think Tanks

This list represents a selection of think tanks and research institutes working on multiple policy issues. The descriptions provided here use the institutions' own language in their "about" pages and mission statements.

For rankings of think tanks, refer to the annual TTCSP Go To Global Think Tank Report.
For a searchable database of think tank profiles, see the Open Think Tank Directory.
For advice on using think tank reports in your research, see this tip sheet.
Think tank watchdog organizations include: Transparify and On Think Tanks.

American Enterprise Institute
A nonpartisan think tank emphasizing individual liberty and free enterprise.
Brookings Institution
Nonpartisan think tank.
The Cato Institute
Nonpartisan, libertarian think tank (principles: "individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace")
Center for American Progress
Nonpartisan, progressive think tank.
Council on Foreign Relations
Nonpartisan think tank focused on global politics. Publishes Foreign Affairs magazine.
The Heritage Foundation
Conservative think tank.

RAND Publications This link opens in a new window
Index, abstracts and full-text of over 20,000 titles in the RAND archive dating back to 1946. Covers areas in energy, education, health, justice, the environment, and international and military affairs. Tutorial for the RAND Publications database.

The Urban Institute
Nonpartisan think tank focused on economic and social policy.

Other helpful search tools

Find Policy
A Google Custom Search: Select the appropriate policy area to search for reports from leading think tanks in that field. NOT an academic/scholarly resource, but great for figuring out current policy questions & debates. TIP: Scroll past the sponsored results on the search results page!
Harvard Kennedy School Think Tank Search
A Google Custom Search of over 1200 leading think tanks.
Apolitical
Analysis & reporting on policy innovations, used by civil servants in 140+ countries. Strong international coverage. A good place to look for policy alternatives & their implementations. Note: you will need to apply for a free account through your work or school email and wait for acceptance.
Policy Matters
Weekly newsletter on current issues from Policy Commons.