people who are obsessed with the details of a thing, such as policy
The word you’re looking for is usually “wonk” or “policy wonk.”
Quick definition
People who get deeply into the nitty‑gritty of a subject like government rules, legislation, or regulations are often called:
- Policy wonks – people who love the fine print of policy design and implementation, often more than the politics or drama around it.
- Technocrats – experts focused on technical details and data when making or advising on decisions, especially in government or big institutions.
- People with an obsessive attention to detail – sometimes praised as meticulous, sometimes criticized as nitpicky, depending on context.
In casual conversation, “policy wonk” is the most common, neutral, and even slightly affectionate term.