Democracy's Think Tank: The Institute for Policy Studies and Progressive Foreign Policy

Brian S. Mueller places the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) at the center of a network of activists involved in making the world safe for diversity. IPS refused to embrace American exceptionalism and waged a battle against the Cold War and its liberal anti-communist supporters. Democracy's Think Tank tells the story of IPS's crusade to resurrect democracy at home and abroad and offers several possible paths toward a more democratic order.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2021
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

In the realm of democratic thought, Brian S. Mueller takes us on a captivating journey through the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). Positioning the IPS at the heart of a vibrant network of activists dedicated to fostering a world safe for diversity, Mueller unveils the institute's pioneering role in shaping an alternative to the U.S.-led global order. Unlike defense intellectuals at esteemed institutions like the RAND Corporation, the peace intellectuals at IPS set forth blueprints for a new world order. As the Iron Curtain descended upon Eastern Europe, a triumphantist Cold War narrative emerged, heralding victory for freedom, democracy, and free enterprise over totalitarianism. However, for the peace intellectuals at IPS, this moment did not warrant celebration. Since its inception in 1963, IPS has steadfastly refused to embrace American exceptionalism, waging a relentless battle against the Cold War and its liberal anti-communist supporters. According to IPS founders Marcus Raskin and Richard Barnet, the pursuit of communism and the preservation of the liberal capitalist order had inadvertently led to the abandonment of democracy by Cold War liberals.

Democracy's Think Tank delves into the compelling story of IPS's unwavering commitment to resurrecting democracy both domestically and internationally. Drawing upon populist, progressive, and New Left traditions, IPS sought to challenge elite expertise and empower the people. As journalist I. F. Stone aptly observed, IPS became the institute for the rest of us, serving as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

Mueller unfolds the intricate tapestry of IPS's involvement in a diverse array of grassroots campaigns, driven by the urgent need to end the Cold War and promote participatory democracy in the United States and across the globe. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Democracy's Think Tank offers valuable insights for contemporary observers seeking an alternative to American empire in the twenty-first century. It presents several plausible pathways toward a more democratic order, highlighting the importance of grassroots activism, social justice, and international cooperation in building a more equitable and inclusive world.

In conclusion, Democracy's Think Tank is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the Institute for Policy Studies' pivotal role in shaping democratic thought and activism. Through its unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, challenging the status quo.quo, and advocating for a more democratic world, IPS has left an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of contemporary politics and the urgent need for a more inclusive and equitable global order.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780812253122