Watch reTHINK TANK
- 2018
- 1 Season
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a nonpartisan, conservative-leaning think tank that aims to promote free enterprise, individual liberty, and limited government. In 2016, AEI launched a new show called reTHINK TANK, which sought to engage viewers in thoughtful discussions about current events, policy proposals, and other important issues facing the United States and the world.
The show was hosted by AEI scholars and experts, who brought their unique perspectives and insights to the table. Each episode featured a different topic, such as education reform, tax policy, foreign affairs, or healthcare. The format of the show varied, but typically involved a panel discussion with several AEI scholars or outside experts who represented different viewpoints on the topic at hand.
One of the notable things about reTHINK TANK was that it was not a news program or a partisan talk show. Instead, the focus was on exploring the nuances and complexities of important issues, rather than scoring political points or pushing a particular agenda. The show was designed to appeal to a general audience, not just policy wonks or experts, and featured lively and engaging discussions that were accessible to viewers of all backgrounds.
Another hallmark of reTHINK TANK was its commitment to intellectual diversity. AEI scholars come from a range of different backgrounds and ideological perspectives, and the show sought to showcase that diversity by presenting a variety of viewpoints and arguments on each topic. This was not a world where groupthink was encouraged; instead, guests were challenged to defend their positions and engage in constructive debate with one another.
Throughout its run, reTHINK TANK tackled some of the most pressing issues of the day. Topics included the opioid epidemic, immigration reform, the future of work, US foreign policy in the Middle East, and criminal justice reform, to name just a few. Guests included notable figures from academia, business, government, and the media, as well as AEI scholars themselves.
One of the strengths of the show was its ability to tackle complex topics in a way that was both accessible and engaging. By bringing together experts with different perspectives, the show provided viewers with a broader understanding of the issues at hand and helped them to develop their own informed opinions. The show also did an excellent job of contextualizing current events within a broader historical and policy context, helping viewers to understand how they fit into larger trends and debates.
Overall, reTHINK TANK was a welcome addition to the world of political commentary and debate. By eschewing partisanship and ideological purity in favor of thoughtful analysis and constructive debate, the show provided an important space for civic engagement and intellectual exploration. While the show is no longer in production, it remains a testament to AEI's commitment to promoting civil discourse and diverse perspectives in public life.