Edward Elgar Publishing The Politics of Persuasion: Should Lobbying be Regulated in the EU?

The EU is at a crossroads. Should it choose the path towards protectionism or the path towards free trade? This book convincingly argues that lobbying regulation will be a decisive first step towards fulfilling the European dream of free trade, in accordance with the original purpose of the Treaty of Rome. Without the regulation of lobbyists to try and prevent undue political persuasion, there is a greater risk of abuse in the form of corruption, subsidies and trade barriers, which will come at the expense of consumers, tax payers and competitiveness.This interdisciplinary approach - both theoretical and methodological - offers a wealth of knowledge concerning the effect of lobbying on political decision-making and will appeal to academics across the social sciences, practitioners and policymakers. Review 'Svendsen's and Brandt's study of EU lobbying activity is just that and more. The book focuses tightly on the EU Commission where lobbying is not regulated in any way. In doing so, the two authors provide a thorough and convincing theory-based analysis of special interest demand for political favors. The book is a must read for academics, policy makers, politicians, and yes, even for lobbyists who want to know more about how the EU's Commission operates and how special interest demand has led to potentially troublesome policy outcomes. The book will be especially appreciated by academics and policy analysts who prize creative use of price theory. In presenting their well-honed arguments, Svendsen and Brandt also provide strong analysis of the EU carbon permit trading and fisheries policy. They conclude with 8 recommendations for making EU lobbying activity transparent and accountable.' --- Bruce Yandle, Clemson University and George Mason University, US About the Author Urs Steiner Brandt, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental and Business Economics, University of Southern Denmark and Gert Tinggaard Svendsen, Professor of Comparative Politics, Aarhus University, Denmark