Individuals and Interest Groups in the Political Process

The aim of the book is to reevaluate the inner dynamics and tensions between individuals who are active in the political process as members of interest groups. To that end, the author creates a model for their individual calculus, preferences and motivations that manifest in observable behavior. It is done by analyzing individuals in the society according to increasing complexity of interaction. The analysis starts with ethical concerns of single individuals and moves towards their capacities as citizens, voters and politicians. Then, aspects of the social contract theory and uncertainty that goes with societal cooperation, are addressed. A public choice interdisciplinary approach as well as elements of constitutional economy, political philosophy and ethics come together to question the understanding of the way individuals and interest groups operate in the political context due to serious inconsistencies of interest within the latter.