Work

The Logic of Brokerage: Why Interest Organizations Network with Their Opponents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cooperation in lobbying is central to policymaking, and the formation of coalitions is a frequently used strategy by interest groups seeking to influence policy outcomes. While coalition formation between like-minded organizations is well documented, the literature has so far overlooked interest groups networking with groups that pursue opposed policy goals. In this article, we advance a novel theoretical proposition to explain an interest group’s propensity to network with its political opponents based on the logic of brokerage . We argue that brokers between opposing policy positions can secure long-term advantages as political insiders across diverse issues, but risk damaging their reputation and alienating their members. We test our argument empirically based on survey data for roughly 2000 interest groups in 7 European countries. Our findings give robust support to our theoretical framework and shed new light on lobbying strategies and the logics that drive cooperation in lobbying, de-escalation, and access to policymaking.

Source: Political Studies

DOI: 10.1177/00323217251323405

Authors: Marcel Hanegraaff, Andrea Pritoni, Wiebke Marie Junk, Michele Crepaz

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, University of Bologna, University of Copenhagen, Queen's University Belfast

Language: English

Topic: Political Influence and Corporate Strategies

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650