First World Interest Groups: A Comparative Perspective

This comprehensive appraisal of interest groups in Western democracies also offers a systematic comparison of interest group activities and their impact on public policy-making in 12 post-industrial First World nations. Using a conceptual framework and varied perspectives, known experts provide a long-term assessment of interest group systems, identify similarities and differences, and point to current trends and future directions. This up-to-date overview and analysis examines the American model, the British model with its derivations, continental European models, and systems in newer democracies. The chapters describe the factors affecting interest group make-up, their operating techniques, and their influence on public process. The concluding chapter provides further insights for understanding interest groups in a comparative context. A selected bibliography is helpful in pointing to sources for further study.