Democracy Under Pressure: Think Tanks in a Changing Political Environment
The operating environment for European think tanks is undergoing rapid and profound change. Rising political contestation, shrinking civic space, and increasing pressure on democratic institutions are reshaping how think tanks work, communicate and engage with policymakers and the public. At the same time, illiberal actors are investing heavily in narrative shaping, organisational ecosystems and strategic communication, challenging the ability of pro democratic think tanks to remain influential, trusted and resilient.
While extensive analysis of these trends exists, the sector still lacks coordinated, practical responses that help think tanks navigate this shifting landscape. To address this gap, the European Policy Centre and On Think Tanks have launched a joint initiative, supported by the Network of European Foundations, to strengthen the capacity of pro democracy think tanks across Europe. The project brings together leaders, researchers and practitioners to reflect on how the operating environment is changing, share concrete organisational experiences, and explore new approaches to resilience, communication and collaboration.
The programme is structured around three mutually reinforcing strands that combine strategic reflection, peer learning and practical experimentation. Through high level forums, CEO meetings and facilitated exchanges, the project creates spaces for think tank leaders to deliberate on emerging pressures and identify actionable responses. A parallel learning track supports the development of shared resources, including thematic publications, a knowledge hub and audio content designed to broaden access to insights across the sector. A third strand focuses on testing new approaches, from counter narrative strategies to structured experimentation modules that help organisations trial and refine practical tools.
Together, these activities will contribute to a deeper understanding of how illiberal influence networks operate, how think tanks can strengthen their narrative capacity, and how the sector can organise more effectively at both individual and collective levels. The project will produce a series of publications, including analyses of concrete cases of organisational adaptation, guidance for individual and joint action, and proposals for support structures that can reinforce democratic knowledge ecosystems. A practical manual will offer think tanks, funders and civil society organisations a set of tested approaches for responding to illiberal pressures.
By combining research, convening and experimentation, the initiative aims to equip European think tanks with the strategies, capabilities and collaborative structures needed to remain effective contributors to democratic debate in an increasingly challenging political environment.
