Think Tank Diplomacy with Melissa Conley Tyler

In this conversation, I discuss the nature of think tanks and their function as diplomatic actors in the international system with Melissa Conley Tyler. We discuss the diplomatic functions think tanks perform, Australia’s policy scene and how the country’s think tanks can bolster its international influence, the profitability of think tanks, why think tankers are cautious communicators, the challenge of transparency around funding, reputation as the ‘currency of think tanks’, the differences between life in academia and think tanks, how young professionals can access tanks, the importance of mentorship in policy careers, and many more topics. You can listen to the episode right away in the audio player embedded above, or right below it you can click “Listen in podcast app” — which will connect you to the show’s feed. Alternatively, you can click the icons below to listen to it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Melissa Conley Tyler is an experienced Executive Director who has worked in International Relations, Think Tanks and NGOs for decades. Formerly the Director of the Australian Insititute of International Affairs before becoming a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Melissa was recently a Visiting Fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan and is now Program Lead, Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue. She is also co-author of the book, “Think Tank Diplomacy”. You can connect with Melissa on LinkedIn, or follow her on Twitter at the handle @MConleytyler. If you enjoy this conversation and would like to help the show, leaving us a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts is the easiest way to do so.To give us a review, just go to Policy People on Apple Podcasts and hit ‘Write a Review’. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit policypeople.substack.com