Lexington Institute
Encyclopedia
The Lexington Institute is a non-profit public-policy think tank headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, that focuses on national security, education reform, postal service management, space policy, and U.S. relations with Cuba.
The institute's employees are quoted frequently in national media. In 2008 it was rated as the 21st most widely cited think tank in terms of media visibility, although relative to the size of its budget it has been rated as high as number two in the nation. In general, the institute favors a strong national defense, rigorous education standards, and market-driven solutions to domestic policy challenges. The institute is often referred to in the media as "conservative" or "libertarian," but its policy positions span the political spectrum from hardline on military issues to progressive on immigration policy.
Daniel Goure and Thompson are defense analysts. Goure was formerly associated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and holds a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. Thompson was deputy director of Georgetown University's Security Studies Program and taught there for two decades, during which time he received a Ph.D. from the university. Thompson argued in favor of continued C-17 production in 2009 and against this production in 2010. Thompson often criticizes SpaceX
as well. He has also said that the United States is likely to engage in war against Vietnam again and so needs the EFV to storm their beaches. He has also called for a shift in American defense spending towards items such as the Littoral Combat Ship
and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II that can be exported to allies. Thompson has said that "The United States cannot continue to spend, especially on defense, the way it has been over the past decade.” And that looser rules on worker treatment mean that money can be saved by outsourcing equipment maintenance to the companies he represents.
has fostered a decline in the teaching of US History and the rise of Islamic extremism
. However Tom Meagher has argued in favor school vouchers for Parochial school
s.
are "unsuited to high office".
belongs to an unrelated Lexington Institute in Boston
, Massachusetts.
History and positions
It was founded in 1998 by former Congressman James Courter (R-NJ), former congressional aide Merrick Carey, former Georgetown University administrator Loren Thompson, and policy analyst Donald Soifer. Its annual revenues are $2.5 million, and are derived mainly from corporate sponsors, other foundations and private individuals.The institute's employees are quoted frequently in national media. In 2008 it was rated as the 21st most widely cited think tank in terms of media visibility, although relative to the size of its budget it has been rated as high as number two in the nation. In general, the institute favors a strong national defense, rigorous education standards, and market-driven solutions to domestic policy challenges. The institute is often referred to in the media as "conservative" or "libertarian," but its policy positions span the political spectrum from hardline on military issues to progressive on immigration policy.
Defense policy
The Lexington Institute has been called the "defense industry's pay-to-play ad agency", reflecting the fact that it receives substantial funding from military contractors and issues a steady stream of reports, usually favorable, about the performance and status of key weapons programs. However, institute staffers are frequently critical of particular weapons or policies, assailing among other things the Navy's next-generation destroyer, the Army's future troop carrier, a proposed joint replacement for the Humvee light tactical vehicle and most of the acquisition reform measures proposed during the Obama Administration. Media citations frequently note that Lexington staffers have ties to military contractors. Thompson stated, "I'm not going to work on a project unless somebody, somewhere, is willing to pay. This is a business. My bottom line is that if what I write and say is true, it doesn't really matter what my motives are." Silverstein also noted Thompson's connection to a for-profit consulting service called Source Associates, which is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia.Daniel Goure and Thompson are defense analysts. Goure was formerly associated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and holds a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. Thompson was deputy director of Georgetown University's Security Studies Program and taught there for two decades, during which time he received a Ph.D. from the university. Thompson argued in favor of continued C-17 production in 2009 and against this production in 2010. Thompson often criticizes SpaceX
SpaceX
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, or more popularly and informally known as SpaceX, is an American space transport company that operates out of Hawthorne, California...
as well. He has also said that the United States is likely to engage in war against Vietnam again and so needs the EFV to storm their beaches. He has also called for a shift in American defense spending towards items such as the Littoral Combat Ship
Littoral combat ship
A Littoral Combat Ship is a type of relatively small surface vessel intended for operations in the littoral zone . It is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals." Two ship classes are the first...
and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II that can be exported to allies. Thompson has said that "The United States cannot continue to spend, especially on defense, the way it has been over the past decade.” And that looser rules on worker treatment mean that money can be saved by outsourcing equipment maintenance to the companies he represents.
Education Policy
Bob Holland and Don Soifer have argued that MulticulturalismMulticulturalism
Multiculturalism is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple cultures, applied to the demographic make-up of a specific place, usually at the organizational level, e.g...
has fostered a decline in the teaching of US History and the rise of Islamic extremism
Islamic extremism
Islamic extremism refers to two related and partially overlapping but also distinct aspects of extremist interpretations and pursuits of Islamic ideology:...
. However Tom Meagher has argued in favor school vouchers for Parochial school
Parochial school
A parochial school is a school that provides religious education in addition to conventional education. In a narrower sense, a parochial school is a Christian grammar school or high school which is part of, and run by, a parish.-United Kingdom:...
s.
Politics
The Institute also covers purely political topics. For example, Thompson wrote that most of the candidates in the Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2012Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2012
The 2012 Republican presidential primaries are the selection processes in which voters of the Republican Party will choose their nominee for President of the United States in the 2012 presidential election. The primary contest began with a fairly wide field, and is the first presidential primary...
are "unsuited to high office".
Members
- Jim CourterJim CourterJames Andrew "Jim" Courter is an American Republican Party politician, lawyer and businessman. He is a resident of Hackettstown, New Jersey.-Biography:He was born October 14, 1941 in Montclair, New Jersey...
, Chairman. - Merrick Carey, CEO.
- Loren B. Thompson, Chief Operating Officer.
- Dan GoureDan GouréDan Gouré is the Vice President of the Lexington Institute, a thinktank based in Arlington, Virginia, and an analyst on national security and military issues for NBC. He has worked as an Adjunct Professor in the National Defense University's Homeland Security program under the SNSEE since 2003...
, Vice President. - Philip Peters, Vice President, has called for a lifting on the trade embargo with Cuba.
- Dr. Rebecca GrantRebecca Grant (political expert)Rebecca L. Grant is the Director of the General Billy Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies at the Air Force Association and a contributing editor for their Air Force Magazine.She is also a senior fellow at the Lexington Institute. She earned her Ph.D...
, Senior Fellow.
See also
David DeidaDavid Deida
David Deida is an American author who writes about the sexual and spiritual relationship between men and women. His ten books have been published in 25 languages. He conducts spiritual growth and intimacy workshops and is one of the many founding associates at the Integral Institute...
belongs to an unrelated Lexington Institute in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts.