What do Think Tanks do? Chatham House in search of the United States

Created in 1920, the London-based ‘British Institute of International Affairs’ (in 1926 renamed Royal Affairs) has for a century been at forefront an ongoing ‘Anglo-American’ conversation about world politics. Yet even though was regarded from outset as institutional expression very ‘special relationship’ between UK and United States, it did little independent research its own on US foreign policy. This however began to change 1990s when States appeared have become ‘superpower without mission’. It then took more organized form following attack 9/11. At this critical juncture Chatham House decided establish new Study Group—the ‘United Discussion Group’ (USDG)—which went discuss policy depth. What article sets out do is outline origins USDG, main contours what discussed within Group, degree which these discussions were different those underway itself, finally assess contribution made helping encourage further debate Britain’s foremost Think Tank.