Interest Groups, Advocacy and Democracy Series

This book provides the most comprehensive study of the Australian think-tank industry to date. Drawing on empirical evidence, it first assesses the structure of the industry, the methods think tanks use to persuade policymakers, and public perceptions of their effectiveness. The book then proceeds to examine three unique policy cases to analyse think tank influence on policymaking. It argues that whilst think tanks play important roles in Australia’s policy process, their impacts vary depending on their approach and objectives. The book also demonstrates that policymakers with contrasting ideological orientations diverge in their assessments of the utility and influence of think tanks. It will appeal to students and scholars of public policy, and practitioners in public administration and governance. 

This book examines the characteristics and evolution of interest groups in Portugal. Drawing from a wide array of sources - including surveys, parliamentary activities, media coverage and interviews with MPs and lobbyists – it systematically assesses interest group politics. The book analyses the main features of group population, the strategies utilised by organised interests, their interactions with key decision-makers, and citizens’ opinions regarding their role in the political system. The original data provided in this book frames the Portuguese case in a broader European context, and will be extremely useful for international comparisons. It will appeal to scholars and students of European politics, interest groups, democratic theories, and public policy.   

This book examines the strategies employed by business interest groups in response to the challenges posed by the global financial crisis of 2008-9. Drawing on evidence from Switzerland, it assesses three policy areas – financial regulation, tax policy and corporate governance – to illustrate the long-term dynamics of advocacy strategies, and the ways in which these groups navigated the complexities of the post-crisis landscape by adapting their coalitions. The book demonstrates that business interest groups employed both direct and indirect advocacy strategies to navigate the crisis, highlighting the importance of perceived legitimacy for these groups. It will appeal to all those interested in policy-making, interest groups, political science and financial regulation.