Consulting Interest Groups: Participation, Legitimation and Diversity

Abstract

Interest groups are by no means outsiders to political processes. Instead, decision-makers have a long history of involving interest groups in policymaking processes using both formal and informal methods. This panel aims to explore ways interest groups have been brought into the fold of policymaking processes. What are the strategies for increasing the diversity of interest groups involved in consultation and participation processes? What are the challenges and barriers that hinder effective interest group participation in policymaking?

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