American Enterprise Institute

Introduction

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a prominent center-right think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1938, AEI engages in comprehensive research spanning government, politics, economics, and social welfare. An independent nonprofit organization, AEI garners support from foundations, corporations, and individuals, adhering to a conservative and pro-free enterprise ideology while refraining from endorsing specific political candidates.

History

Formed as the American Enterprise Association (AEA), established in 1938 by New York entrepreneurs, AEI traces its origins to a mission of advocating the virtues of free enterprise. AEA relocated to Washington, D.C. during World War II to facilitate closer interaction with Congress. The organization vehemently opposed the New Deal and championed limited governmental intervention. A transformative juncture arrived in 1954 when a cohort of youthful policymakers and intellectuals, led by William J. Baroody Sr., revitalized the Institute, propelling it into a formidable think tank. Baroody assumed the role of executive vice president, overseeing AEI’s expansion in research, policy engagement, and conservative influence. The American Enterprise Institute is currently under the oversight of President Robert Doar, formerly a public administrator in New York.

Political Landscape

Often juxtaposed with the left-leaning Brookings Institution, AEI maintains a history of collaborative initiatives. Notable partnerships include co-sponsoring the AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies (1998-2008) and launching the AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project in 2006. A collaborative report on poverty alleviation and the restoration of the American Dream was jointly authored in 2015. Prominent conservatives such as Arthur Brooks, Yuval Levin, and Jonah Goldberg maintain enduring affiliations with AEI. Recognized for its global and domestic influence, AEI stands as a prominent institution in the conservative movement, often acknowledged in various rankings and reports as a leading think tank.

Research Endeavors

AEI operates within seven extensive research domains: economic policy studies, foreign and defense policy studies, health care policy studies, political and public opinion studies, social and cultural studies, education, and poverty studies. The Institute’s research spectrum spans diverse topics, ranging from analysis of free-market economies and tax policies to the global promotion of political and economic freedom. AEI’s research initiatives extend to healthcare reform, education policy, and the intricate exploration of societal themes encompassing race, religion, and gender. Through its conferences, publications, and engagement with policymakers, AEI significantly contributes to public discourse and policy formulation within these spheres.