OTT Podcast

In this episode of OTT Talks, co-hosts Enrique Mendizabal and Goran Buldioski speak with Dr Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, about how Europe’s successive crises since the 2008 financial crash—through the Arab Spring, Crimea, Brexit, and Trump—have reshaped the foreign policy landscape and the role of think tanks.
Rosa describes Brussels as a more process-driven but increasingly closed policy ecosystem, contrasts it with more politically aligned national capitals, and explains the leadership demands of running a pan-European think tank: thought leadership, fundraising, visibility, and supporting staff across multiple capitals. She discusses the tension between 24/7 commentary and deep research, the responsibility to contribute to public debate (including in smaller countries), the funding constraints facing European think tanks, and the growing but still limited mainstream influence of radical-right think tank ecosystems such as Hungary’s MCC.
This episode is part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations. You can listen to the whole series here.
Tune in, and visit Carnegie Europe to learn more about what was discussed during this podcast.
About OTT Talks:
OTT Talks is a platform for sharing learning among think tanks, funders, and other policy actors on a range of topics, from think tank governance to communicating research. Learn more.
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In this OTT Talks episode, Enrique Mendizabal speaks with Ivor Chipkin, co-founder and director of South Africa’s New South Institute, shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Public Service Amendment Act 2025. Chipkin explains how, since 1994, political leaders have held extensive control over public service appointments and operations as a workaround for governing under inherited apartheid-era administrations, but this politicisation later contributed to declining performance, corruption, and “state capture,” with uneven effects across institutions. The new act aims to demarcate politics from administration by shifting key administrative powers to department heads, while politicians set policy and provide oversight, aligning South Africa with civil service reforms seen elsewhere. Chipkin describes NSI’s long-term advocacy and alliance-building from the 2022 reform opening to the 2024 coalition-era shift, and highlights implementation risks, monitoring needs, and the importance of patient funding.

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
In an era marked by democratic uncertainty, technological disruption and geopolitical instability, do think tanks still matter?
In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Rosa Balfour reflects on the growing pressures facing think tanks — from the transformation of the information ecosystem and declining trust in institutions to funding challenges and global geopolitical upheaval.
She argues that think tanks continue to play a critical role as bridges between policymakers and society, while calling for greater clarity of purpose, stronger communities of practice and more meaningful public engagement.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
How can think tanks remain trustworthy institutions in increasingly polarised political environments?
In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Héctor Cárdenas reflects on the relationship between evidence, storytelling and trust. Drawing on COMEXI’s experience in Mexico, he explores how think tanks can navigate political pressures, fragmented audiences and institutional tensions while remaining credible, pluralistic and grounded in evidence.
From strategic communication and public engagement to government relations and organisational identity, this session offers a thoughtful reflection on what it means for knowledge to matter in today’s policy debates.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
Who are think tanks ultimately accountable to?
In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Denis Foretia examines the complex relationship between legitimacy, independence and trust in African policy research organisations. Drawing on the experience of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation in Cameroon, he reflects on the tensions between governments, funders and citizens — and argues that genuine legitimacy must be earned locally, not borrowed internationally.
Through personal stories and institutional lessons, Denis explores what it takes to build trust with the communities think tanks claim to serve.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/