The proliferation of Think tanks and interest groups in western democracies over the past decades is due to the consideration that they are important actors in public policy. Their contribution to policy is demonstrated in different ways; testifying congressional hearings, framing public debates, building coalitions on policy issues, and nurturing close relationships with politicians. Still, their explicit contribution, policy commitment is challenged by undue influence rather than responding to citizen needs because of avert ideological bias, compromised academic neutrality and objectivity, coercion, and persuasion from foreign funders.
Avert ideological bias
Policy commitment is becoming challenging for Thinks tanks and interest groups because of ideological bias where politicians influence the groups or specific individuals in the groups to advance their interests. Bias occurs because the Think tanks will be forced to favor the politicians and not the citizens. Fraussen & Halpin (2020) hypothesize that bias results in specific policy prioritization while critical issues are left. Consequently, the needs of citizens are not actualized.
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Compromised academic neutrality and objectivity
Think tanks present themselves as neutral academics when in a real sense, they are only advancing their credibility and independence and not of the citizens. This aspect is compromised in most states, while its results present policies of undue influence that are spearheaded by Think Tanks, who have little consideration of citizen needs.
Coercion and Persuasion from Foreign Funders
Limited funding for Think tanks and interest groups exposes them to seek funding for their activities. Most Think tanks fall victims to undue influence in policy commitments due to significant foreign funding meant to advance specific interests of the funders in particular groups (Fraussen & Halpin 2020). Therefore, Think tanks will act as a lobbyist in favoring the demands of such funders while pretending to have the citizens’ interest at work.
There is increased criticism of Think tanks and interest groups. Their rising numbers further prompt their objectivity which is highly compromised concerning strategic policymaking. Efforts should be increased to improve organizational autonomy and research capacity for Think tanks and interest groups.
Reference
Fraussen, B., & Halpin, D. (2020). Interest Groups, the Bureaucracy, and Issue Prioritization. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.1366
