This article takes an empirical look at the shape of the organized interest system in
contemporary national politics. The discussion is predicated on two understandings that are …

This contribution addresses a topic somewhat ignored by scholars studying group politics in
the European Union: namely, how the nature of policy issues structures the context within …

The analysis of patterns of relationships between parties and their organizational
environment is key to understanding parties' survival, organizational stability and electoral …

Interest groups are important intermediaries in Western democracies, with the potential to
offer political linkage and form a bridge between the concerns of citizens and the agendas of …

Interest group activity is always affected by the political environment in which groups
operate. As a result, effective study of public interest groups must situate them in a larger …

Lobbying and political interest groups occupy an ambivalent place in advanced
democracies. Lobbying is viewed with suspicion, but is also a critical avenue for voices in …

Interest groups play a critical role in modern democracies by acting as 'mobilisers'. By
monitoring policy developments and mobilizing the public when policymakers act contrary to …

The article compares the political activities of different types of interest groups. Drawing on
data from a survey of all Danish national interest groups, it demonstrates significant variation …

Interest groups are key actors in the policymaking process. They channel citizens' views and
policy positions to decision-makers, provide information, expertise and technical knowledge …

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 …