Chinese and American Think Tanks: Comparing International Social Media Communication Characteristics

Think tanks can leverage global influence to manifest the soft power of their home countries. International social media is a useful channel for Chinese think tanks to spread their messages abroad and enhance their influence. In this study, we examine the think tank index report released by the University of Pennsylvania's Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP). Through comparative analysis and content analysis, this study analyzes the differences between Chinese and American think tanks’ usage of and presence on Twitter (now called X). Compared with American think tanks, Chinese think tanks have much room for improvement. We recommend that Chinese think tanks should: construct network infrastructure to support the development of international social media in China; increase their participation on diverse international social media platforms; actively participate in globalized issues and promote Chinese issues; cultivate professionals with the skills required to manage international social media accounts for think tanks; and incorporate metrics on social media into their think tank evaluation mechanisms.