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Organised Interests in the Energy Sector: A Comparative Study of the Influence of Interest Groups in Czechia and Hungary

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  • Brigitte Horváthová

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Germany)

  • Michael Dobbins

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Germany)

Abstract

In this article, we explore civil society mobilisation and the impact of organised interests on the energy policies of two post-communist countries—Hungary and Czechia—and specifically nuclear energy. Drawing on numerous hypotheses from the literature on organised interests, we explore how open both political systems are for civil society input and what interest group-specific and socio-economic factors mediate the influence of organised interests. Based on the preference attainment method, our case studies focus on the extent to which organised interests have succeeded bringing nuclear energy legislation in line with their preferences. We find that while both democracies are open to civil society input, policy-making is generally conducted in state-industrial circles, whereby anti-nuclear and renewable energy advocates are at best able to make minor corrections to already pre-determined policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Brigitte Horváthová & Michael Dobbins, 2019. "Organised Interests in the Energy Sector: A Comparative Study of the Influence of Interest Groups in Czechia and Hungary," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(1), pages 139-151.
  • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v:7:y:2019:i:1:p:139-151
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kacper Szulecki & Dag Herald Claes, 2019. "Towards Decarbonization: Understanding EU Energy Governance," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(1), pages 1-5.
    2. Urszula KURCZEWSKA, 2023. "Who Are The Key Players In Energy Policy In Poland? The Role Of Interest Groups In Energy Transition," Eastern European Journal for Regional Studies (EEJRS), Center for Studies in European Integration (CSEI), Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM), vol. 9(2), pages 24-40, December.

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