Workshop of the Standing Group on Interest Groups

Our Host

The workshop is proudly hosted by the Maastricht University, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS). Founded in 1976, Maastricht University is one of the youngest universities in the Netherlands, situated at the heart of Europe in the border region between Germany and Belgium.

Organising Committee

• Britt Vande Walle, Maastricht University
• Iskander de Bruycker, Maastricht University

Theme

Interest groups are central to democratic systems, playing key roles in shaping policy, mobilising citizens, and fostering dialogue. Despite their significant impact, these organisations and their representatives—lobbyists—face scrutiny regarding their legitimacy, transparency, and inclusivity. This workshop seeks to advance the academic understanding of the democratic roles of interest groups and lobbyists, while addressing pressing ethical questions and the need for greater professionalisation and democratisation within the sector.

The current political landscape raises complex challenges for interest group research and practice. Amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, increasing polarisation, and the proliferation of misinformation, it is essential to revisit and critically assess the role of interest groups and lobbyists in democratic systems.

Do interest group lobbyists reflect the diversity of the societies they represent? How can they better connect with citizens, political parties, and policymakers? What reforms or innovations are necessary to address the negative stigma that surrounds their work? The rise of far-right movements and increasing polarisation confronts lobbyists and advocacy organisations with ethical dilemmas: should they engage with actors whose values may conflict with democratic principles? If so, under what conditions? These questions are pivotal for maintaining democratic integrity while striving for inclusivity and representation.

Key Themes

• The professionalisation of interest groups: strategies, challenges, and democratic implications.
• Ethical considerations for lobbying, including navigating engagement with far-right or extremist actors.
• The relationships between interest groups, political parties, and social movements in organising and representing constituencies.
• Mechanisms of access to policymakers and the potential biases in who gains influence.
• Examining the social demographics of lobbyists and identifying pathways for greater inclusivity, accountability, and trust.
• Expanding the geographic and thematic scope of interest group research to incorporate non-Western perspectives and contexts.

Workshop Format

The workshop will follow a collaborative and interactive format, similar to an ECPR Joint Sessions workshop, and will accommodate up to 14 participants. To enhance discussions, papers will be pre-circulated.

We invite contributions in two categories:

Applications

You must submit your abstract proposal (maximum of 250 words) through the ECPR by Tuesday 16 April 2025.

Approved applicants will be notified in mid-April 2025.

The registration fee for approved applicants is waived.