Understanding interest groups, lobbying and lobbyists in developing democracies

Abstract

This introductory article sets the scene for understanding the seven articles that follow in this Special Issue of the Journal. It lays the groundwork in five areas. First, it explains key terms and concepts important for understanding interests, interest groups and lobbying in developing democracies and goes into some detail about the concept of democracy. Second, it offers insights into the characteristics of interest group systems in developing democracies. Third, it briefly reviews the form and extent of the existing work written on interest groups in these political systems. Fourth, it argues that viewing developing democracies through the role of interest groups is a valuable analytical tool but must be adapted from the study of interest groups in developed and well‐established democracies to be of use in understanding these developing systems. And fifth, it points out how the seven articles that follow help illustrate the definitions and explanations presented in the previous four sections and the promise and challenges faced by interests and interest groups in these political systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Whose Side Are You On? Explaining the Extent to which National Interest Groups Support States in Global Politics

“…Consequently, an NGO's position in a developing country reflects the NGO's position in the developed country. This fact is certainly in line with studies showing that southern NGOs strongly adjust to northern NGOs' strategic considerations because they do not want to jeopardize the funds they receive (Bob, ; Dalton et al ., ; Thomas and Hrebenar, ). This fact means that the stakes of northern NGOs will often be reflected in the stakes of southern NGOs, and the level of support by NGOs across states with different levels of wealth will vary in rather limited ways.…”

Comparative lobbying research: advances, shortcomings and recommendations

“…However, what should also matter is the length of uninterrupted democracy in a country. Thomas and Hrebenar () and Thomas and Klimovich () point to the transition period developing countries need to go through in order to become consolidated democracies and show resemblance to consolidated democracies with respect to interest group activity. Consider, for instance, that a democratic revolution occurs in an authoritarian country.…”

“…Since the 21st century, however, various articles have appeared that study the interest groups and lobbying in the European Union (EU). This was followed by examinations of interest groups and lobbying in developing countries thanks to the special issues published in the Journal of Public Affairs (Thomas & Hrebenar, ; Thomas & Klimovich, ; Millar & Köppl, ). An American political scientist could easily suggest that this development shows the surge in the studies on comparative lobbying.…”

The contribution of lobby regulation initiatives in addressing political corruption in Latin America

“…Plus, in less developed democracies, lobbying is often linked with corruption or influence trafficking. This creates a perception that special interests are inherently illegitimate (Thomas and Hrebenar, : 6).…”