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What are Issue Networks?

Constance Simmons
Constance Simmons

Issue networks are a coalition of interest groups and people who join together to advocate for a specific problem and for changing a government policy that pertains to that problem. These networks exist nationally and internationally. The alliances created through this type of network make it possible for people to join together on their issue to create change in government policies that pertain to that issue.

Individuals in the United States who are members of issue networks usually are political executives, government officials, public servants, scholarly analysts, reporters, members of foundations and White House staff members. Having people from different professions is essential for this type of network to function, because many types of expertise are needed to change existing policy. These diverse groups of people then work toward changing the way that certain bureaus function.

White House staff members are usually members of issue networks.
White House staff members are usually members of issue networks.

Issue coalitions are made necessary by the way that bureaucracies function. Red tape, policies, procedures and regulations are all in place in any bureau that is responsible for implementing legislation. This makes progress and change extremely difficult in these government agencies. For change to take place, outside forces must push on all of these preset regulations before any advancement is made.

Individuals in the United States who are members of issue networks usually are political executives, government officials, public servants, scholarly analysts, reporters, members of foundations and White House staff members.
Individuals in the United States who are members of issue networks usually are political executives, government officials, public servants, scholarly analysts, reporters, members of foundations and White House staff members.

Existing issue networks include those that work on controversial issues such as abortion, gun control and drug legislation. There also are less controversial ones that work on issues such as environmental protection and world hunger. Many of these networks rely heavily on the Internet, because it enables them to organize information and people in a convenient, cost-effective way.

Existing issue networks may focus on a controversial issue like gun control.
Existing issue networks may focus on a controversial issue like gun control.

Iron triangles are similar to issue networks because they also work for change on particular issues. Iron triangles are composed of people from the same agencies that create issue networks, but they are working toward a far different goal. Issue networks work for what they perceive to be the common good, and iron triangles focus only on private interests.

Iron triangles and issue networks compete with each other. This competition is important in order to maintain the balance between private and public interests. An example of this competition is when iron triangles who work for oil companies want less environmental regulation, in order to decrease their costs, while issue networks work for more environmental regulation of oil companies, in order to protect the environment.

Discussion Comments

latte31

Cripety - I know that there are many issue networks associated with George Soros. There is Media Matters, Move On.org, America Votes, Center for American Progress, Media Fund, and the Thunder Road Group.

He is also linked to Air America and the Sierra Club among many of the other groups. Many feel that he is the one directing the Democrat Party and moving it to the left.

Soros has given over $5 billion dollars to the main fundraising arm called the Open Society Institute.

Some of the policy positions include adding more welfare programs, promoting the ideas that the military is morally wrong and that America oppresses people.

They also promote ideas that the death penalty is never right and a form of socialized health care is what is just.

Crispety

Comfyshoes - I have heard of the Heritage Group. I know that they are a famous think tank that was founded in 1973 and it focuses on the promotion and development of conservative ideals and polices.

It also has an independent board and is tax exempt and does not accept any government work, nor does it obtain any government funding.

It has over 700,000 members and has all kinds proposals on how to defund and repeal ObamaCare to how to reduce over $300 billion dollars from the budget.

They have a policy position in nearly every area of politics and are very influential.

comfyshoes

I think that issue networks rely on think tanks in order to help build credibility on their policy position. One of the best think tanks is the Heritage Foundation. They offer policy based ideas to combat the liberal agenda.

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    • White House staff members are usually members of issue networks.
      By: David
      White House staff members are usually members of issue networks.
    • Individuals in the United States who are members of issue networks usually are political executives, government officials, public servants, scholarly analysts, reporters, members of foundations and White House staff members.
      By: qingwa
      Individuals in the United States who are members of issue networks usually are political executives, government officials, public servants, scholarly analysts, reporters, members of foundations and White House staff members.
    • Existing issue networks may focus on a controversial issue like gun control.
      By: filodespada
      Existing issue networks may focus on a controversial issue like gun control.