Abstract:   The object of this research is the financial markets pressure groups, in other words, associations of influential financial experts and industrialists that attempt to affect the regulatory rules established in the financial markets. The subject is the motivation of pressure groups towards limitation of the financial development, tools applied for introduction of the anti-market legislation, as well as the political climate used for adoption of laws that restricts the financial development of one or another country. Global statistics demonstrates that the financial sector manifests as one of the most “regulated”, which substantiates the relevance of this work. Theoretical base of the research contains the political economy paradigm alongside the rational choice theory that view the political actors as economic agents that maximize their value. The article explains why the restriction of financial development can be profitable for the large industrial and financial corporations. The author systematized the theoretical positions of the rational choice theory in application to the pressure groups. Based on the example of the Japanese financial markets, it is described the precise mechanism of the pressure groups used to constraint the financial development.  

Keywords: free rider problem, profit margins, lobbying, bonds, Zaibatsu, political economy, rational choice, financial sector, pressure groups, market competition

Abstract: Interest groups are one of the fundamental mechanisms of American foreign policy. Their role in defining America’s position in the Near East, establishing relations with Israel and the Arab world, as well as participation in military operations, was the focus of expert discussions for years now. The article carefully examines the evolution of ethnic lobby structure, the competition between pro-Israeli and pro-Arab organizations, as well as the emergence of ideological blocs and their influence on political decisions regarding American military presence in the region. The author evaluates a broad spectrum of organizations and personalities involved in this lobbying process.

Keywords: Political science, lobby, groups, USA, Iraq, Congress, Senate, pluralism, debate, Israel.