ABSTRACT
The business conglomerates which increasingly control mass communications in many ways typical of the special interests which seek to influence national and international politics. Some countries encourage close relations between civil servants and businessmen in the interests of economic development. Bodies like the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may influence national policy more effectively than internal interest groups. Pressure groups are formed voluntarily by people who wish to protect or promote a common interest or cause. Cause groups are formed to promote or protect an idea, goal, or principle which is not directly related to the personal or material interests of their members. The term new social movements were coined in the 1970s to describe the new political organizations which were broader than pressure groups but more loosely knit than political parties. The privatization and globalization of economies has increased the influence of footloose multinational corporations and international bodies, relative to national interests and national interest groups.
