Lobbying, pluralism, and democracy /

The value of this text is twofold. First, the description and analysis are the work of a senior European scholar, commenting on the peculiarities of the American lobbying process. Perspective in this case matters, as Graziano asks numerous questions that are without culturally preconceived responses. For example, the author raises new insights into the meaning of issue networks. Second, the theory that encompasses the analysis builds impressively on a wide range of scholarship and political thought. The well-integrated commentary moves quickly and smoothly from Dahl to Bentley, to Madison, Montesquieu, and Laski with dozens of stops between. Although Graziano concludes that lobbies play a vital role in democratic debates, he cautions that greater attention be given in teaching individual citizens to govern without interest intermediaries. As he cautions, many of his conclusions will await further studies of lobbying in the European Union and, finally, his home state of Italy. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, and faculty. W. P. Browne Central Michigan University