The Population Ecology of Brazilian Interest Groups

This pioneering study offers a novel contribution to the research on the population ecology of interest groups (IGs) in Brazil, a topic previously underexplored in the interest groups research and cross-comparisons between the Global North and South. Utilizing data from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service, the study innovatively maps the density, diversity, geographical distribution, and historical trajectory of nationwide IGs in Brazil - conceptualized as a young democracy, in comparison to more established Western European examples and similarly nascent democracies of the Central and Eastern Europe. It reveals a significant concentration of IGs in economically larger federal states and a notable increase in group density since 1985. By applying the population ecology approach, the research provides a comprehensive overview of IGs in an emerging democracy, filling a critical gap in comparative political science literature. This work sets a foundation for future studies on the internal dynamics and political activities of Brazilian IGs, offering valuable insights into the representation and influence of organized interests in Brazil's democratic processes.