astroturf lobbying

Definition

Corporate or special interest lobbying disguised as genuine citizen advocacy, creating fake grassroots campaigns to influence policy. The political equivalent of hiring extras to pretend to be fans.

Example Usage

The seemingly organic letter-writing campaign was exposed as astroturf lobbying when reporters discovered the identical letters were written by the industry trade association.

Origin

Variant of 'astroturfing,' specifically applied to lobbying efforts. Emerged in the 1980s-1990s as corporations professionalized fake grassroots campaigns.

Fun Fact

Some astroturf lobbying campaigns are so sophisticated they include training 'citizen activists' who genuinely believe they're part of a grassroots movement.

Source: Lobbying and political influence terminology

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