The global impact of lobbies and think tanks on democracy and policy

The current political environment is characterized by its increasing heterogeneity and by the presence of a variety of actors that go beyond traditional governmental institutions. This evolution has given rise to a scenario where power and influence are distributed across a broader spectrum, allowing entities such as lobbies and think tanks to emerge as figures of considerable weight, becoming influential entities over decision-making processes and the direction of public debates. Operating at the intersection of politics, the economy, and civil society, these organizations play a crucial role in shaping policies and perspectives through their ability to combine research and lobbying strategies, thereby impacting the design and implementation of public policies on a global level.

This monograph seeks to gather original scientific contributions that delve into the complex nature of lobbies and think tanks, analysing their internal functioning and their interaction with the political, economic, media, and social environment. It invites exploration of how these entities influence political decisions, interact with political institutions, economic actors, media outlets, and civil society. Some relevant research lines for this monograph could be:

• Power dynamics: Analysis of how lobbies and think tank
  influence decision-making processes in different political systems.


• Impact on democracy: Discussion on how the activity of lobbies and think tanks affects democratic principles and citizen participation.


• Communication strategies: Examination of the communication strategies deployed by lobbies and think tanks, with a particular focus on their engagement and influence within the digital landscape.


• Global networks: Analysis of cooperation and conflict among lobbies and think tanks at the international level and their impact on global politics.


• Innovation in influence: Investigation into innovative strategies and tools employed by these entities to wield influence more effectively.


• Transparency and accountability: Examining the transparency of lobbies and think tanks and their accountability to the public and policymakers.


• Case studies: Research on specific cases where the influence of these groups has been decisive in policy formulation.

Keywords: Political Environment, Lobbies, Think Tanks, Influence, Public Policy

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.