Issue networks are groups of individuals and interest groups advocating for a specific issue to change government policy. They exist nationally and internationally and rely on people from different professions. Iron triangles are similar but focus on private interests, competing with problem networks for balance.
Issue networks are a coalition of interest groups and individuals who come together to advocate for a specific issue and to change a government policy that affects that issue. These networks exist nationally and internationally. The alliances created through this type of network make it possible for people to unite on their issue to create change in government policies regarding that issue.
Individuals in the United States who are members of broadcast networks typically include political leaders, government officials, public officials, academic analysts, journalists, foundation members, and White House staffers. Having people from different professions is essential for this kind of network to work, because many kinds of skills are needed to change the existing policy. These different groups of people then work to change the way some offices work.
Problem coalitions are made necessary by the way bureaucracies work. The bureaucracy, policies, procedures and regulations are all in place in any office responsible for implementing legislation. This makes progress and change in these government agencies extremely difficult. For change to take place, external forces must push on all of these pre-established rules before any progress is made.
Existing issue networks include those working on controversial issues such as abortion, gun control, and drug legislation. There are also less controversial ones working on issues such as environmental protection and world hunger. Many of these networks rely heavily on the Internet because it allows them to organize information and people in a convenient and cost-effective way.
Iron triangles are similar to emission networks in that they also work for change on particular issues. The Iron Triangles are made up of people from the same agencies who create problem networks, but are working towards a very different goal. Problem networks work for what they perceive as the common good and iron triangles focus only on private interests.
Iron triangles and problem networks compete with each other. This competition is important in maintaining the balance between private and public interests. An example of this competition is when the iron triangles working for the oil companies want less environmental regulation, in order to reduce their costs, while the emission networks work for more environmental regulation of the oil companies, in order to protect the ‘environment.
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