Donald E. Abelson is academic director of the Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement and professor of political science at McMaster University.Donald E. Abelson is professor and chair of political science at the University of Western Ontario and the author of A Capitol Idea: Think Tanks and U.S. Foreign Policy and Northern Lights: Exploring Canada’s Think Tank Landscape.

"Well written, carefully documented and articulate case for the antithesis of the title … a valuable treasure trove of interesting … information." Canadian Public Policy

"Many interesting observations about the nature of think tanks and the policymaking process more generally." Cato Journal

"An important contribution to a body of literature that is increasingly recognised in the social sciences as an undeveloped field and worthy of more extensive investigation. Abelson's comparative insights will have wider significance in drawing attention

"Well-written and lucid ... this is a seminal contribution to the field. Abelson has a sophisticated and up-to-date understanding of the literature and the phenomena that he studies." Evert Lindquist, School of Public Administration, University of Victori