Suchergebnisse

J. Meynaud's PRESSURE GROUP IN FRANCE & H. W. Ehrmann's INTEREST GROUPS ON FOUR CONTINENTS are evidence of the progress made in the study of pressure groups outside of the US. Yet they show that though we have arrived at a definition of such groups, the actual mechanism of pressure still generally escapes investigation. On the other hand, recent studies by historians have indicated that the actual influence of such groups has frequently been exaggerated: their activities are not always organized nor do they always achieve success. Despite the present multiplication of monographs, we are still a long way from being able to evaluate their influence in public affairs. The study of international pressure groups can only be sketched out; the documentation of the pol'al action of the large international corporations will undoubtedly have to await some future date, but it should be possible to study the international org's which are not attached to Gov: the understanding of the techniques by which pressure groups exercise their influence should allow for more adequate studies & a better understanding of international relations. Tr by J. A. Broussard from IPSA.

In Jan 1955 the Institute of French Opinion asked a sample of individuals to list in order of preference ten French pol'al figures. A factoral analysis of the 1,436 replies showed that the 'leftist-rightist' continuum was of major importance in French pol'al preferences on the eve of the fall of Mendes-France, & accounted for 26.4% of the variance. Next in order of importance were factors related to European problems & questions related to the French Union. These results indicate how important post-WWII problems are in the view of the public, as well as the continued importance of the left-right distinction. Tr by J. A. Broussard from 1PSA.