The public-private circulation of elites: analysis of the revolving roor and the risk of exposure to conflicts of interest in macri’s cabinet (Argentina, 2016-2019)

Abstract

This article analyzes the “public-private circulation of elites,” focusing on the “revolving door” dynamics in Mauricio Macri’s cabinet in Argentina (2016-2019). This paper seeks to corroborate whether the previously detected phenomenon of a revolving door of entry and prior public-private circulation is confirmed by analyzing the subsequent career paths of officials. Through a prosopographic analysis, the careers of more than 500 officials were surveyed, identifying patterns of departures to private companies and assessing the magnitude and scope of the risk of exposure to conflicts of interest. The results show that one-third are exposed to high risk, especially due to their participation on the boards of commercial companies directly linked to the activity of holding public office, and that this risk increases depending on three variables: position level, gender, and the cabinet area in which they served.