Bridging Agricultural Policy and Interest Groups Scholarship

Political science literature on agricultural policy in the EU and US often explores how influential interest groups contribute to policy stasis through mechanisms like closed policy communities or iron triangles. This phenomenon helps explain why agricultural policies remain resistant to change despite increasing societal demands for reform. However, there has been limited integration of these insights with the broader interest group literature, which excels in theorizing interest group dynamics but lacks detailed empirical studies within specific policy domains.

This MSc thesis project aims to bridge these two strands of scholarship. The research will connect theoretical perspectives on interest group behaviour with empirical analysis of lobbying dynamics in agricultural policymaking. The goal is to develop a comprehensive research agenda that integrates broader theories of interest groups with in-depth studies of their impact on agricultural policy.

Preliminary Research Objectives

• Examine the role of interest groups in maintaining policy stasis within agricultural policy communities.
• Integrate theoretical insights from the broader interest group literature with empirical case studies of lobbying within the agricultural sector.
• Analyse specific lobbying dynamics and their influence on policy outcomes in agricultural policymaking.
• Develop a research agenda that synthesizes theoretical and empirical perspectives on interest group dynamics and policy change.

Candidate Profile

• MSc student with an affinity for political science, public policy, or related fields.
• Strong interest in conducting literature reviews and connecting theoretical frameworks.
• Enjoys synthesizing theories and empirical findings to develop new research agendas.

Application

Interested candidates should submit a CV, a brief motivation letter, and an example of previous academic work.

For more details, please contact Jeroen Candel.