Definition:
Policy capture is the process by which public policy is shaped or dominated by the interests of a narrow group rather than the broader public.
Usage Context:
Commonly discussed in relation to corporate lobbying, regulatory bodies, revolving doors between government and industry, and policy areas such as finance, energy, healthcare, and housing.
Critical Note:
Policy capture allows private interests to operate through legitimate democratic structures while distorting outcomes. Because decisions appear lawful and procedural, the resulting harm is often treated as accidental rather than engineered.