Interest Groups and Public Opinion: Friends or Foes?

Abstract

This panel brings together scholars working in the field of public opinion and interest groups. To what extent do interest groups represent the preferences of the general public? How does public opinion affect interest group behaviour and influence? And do interest groups play a role for policy responsiveness and agenda representation? This panel invites papers which aim to clarify the linkages between public opinion, interest groups and public policy. This could also include more substantive issues, such as the rise of populist sentiments, Euroscepticism, or questions about European integration.