privateinterest

Private interest refers to aims or benefits pursued by individuals or groups that are primarily concerned with their own advantage rather than the public good. In political science and economics, private interests are contrasted with the public interest, which denotes the welfare of the population as a whole.

In policymaking, private interests can influence outcomes through channels such as lobbying, campaign contributions, and the revolving door between industry and government. Private-interest groups may seek favorable regulations, tax breaks, subsidies, or procurement advantages that improve the financial position of their members.

The term is often linked to rent-seeking, where actors attempt to obtain wealth through policy rather than productive activity, and to regulatory capture, in which agencies serve the interests of the industries they regulate. Both processes can lead to less efficient allocation of resources and reduced social welfare.

Scholars discuss governance reforms to curb undue influence, including transparency and disclosure requirements for lobbying, limits on campaign contributions, ethics rules, and strong anti-corruption provisions. Assessments of private interests balance the need for representative input with safeguards against distorted policymaking. See also public interest, lobbying, rent-seeking, regulation.