Answer questions in paragraphs

POLITICAL SCIENCE 423: LOBBYISTS & THINK TANKS

Professor Hartman Week 13

POLS 423 - Security Studies

Meeting Agenda

1.  Iron-Triangle

Political Science 423 - Security Studies

Statecraft Recap – A Spectator’s View •  Statecraft started with numerous overlapping non-

aggression pacts. Some took root from consistent engagement between leadership, others were left unattended.

•  The result was 2 clearly defined alliances: •  Gang of 5 – United Valyrian States, Posiedanas, Funfteland,

Democratic Republic of CARTAB, and the Regime of Orion. •  Commitment of 2 – Democratic People’s Republic of Atropia and

Eschyros

•  It is clear today that the purpose of the Gang of 5 was to isolate and destroy the Commitment of 2 and to “reduce the field” competing for points.

POLS 423 - Security Studies

Statecraft Recap – A Spectator’s View •  For the near future, Atropia and Eschyros are destroyed with the

administrations living in exile. •  They are left with few options to “get back in the game.” •  Yet, their potential to reenter the game on better terms with members of the

Gang of 5 can provide the necessary points to position a country in the Top-2.

•  With no clear enemy, the Gang of 5 is at a crossroads. •  The world is hyper-militarized from this alliance, which has left efforts at

international cooperation under-resourced. •  The continuous global combat has left many domestic factions dissatisfied with

their leadership and QOL scores are relatively low. •  The success of the eradication of A&E has left no greater clarity of the “Top-2

Frontrunners.” By my calculations, all 5 remaining countries have a chance at an A.

•  For this turn, you must determine what the future of this alliance will be?

POLS 423 - Security Studies

The Iron Triangle •  An alliance among a government agency, a congressional

committee or subcommittee, and interest groups with the goal of controlling government policy with the agency’s jurisdiction

Political Science 423 - Security Studies

Executive Agency

Congressional Committee

Interest Groups

The Iron Triangle •  Relationships

•  Interest Group <—> Congressional Committee •  Interest group gives electoral support to MCs •  Congress responds with favorable laws helping group

•  Congressional Committee <—> Agency •  Committee gives legislative support to agency •  Agency gives favorable action on constituency services

•  Agency <—> Interest Group •  Agency implements the laws to help interest groups •  Interest groups support agency before congressional committee

hearings

Political Science 423 - Security Studies

How Defense Industry Influences Policy •  Provides personnel to fill government positions

•  Networks in agencies, services, Congress •  Key positions filled in legislative staffs •  Lobbying: Agenda-setting & Opinion Analysis

•  Control issue framing and discourse •  Challenging alternative views

•  Assailing the credibility of opponents

•  Political Contributions

•  Employment

Political Science 423 - Security Studies

Political Science 423 - Security Studies

END OF LECTURE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!