Revolving door (politics)

Revolving door is a political science concept used to the describe the phenomena in capitalist societies where employees cycle between roles in an industry, and roles in government which influence that industry.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=GLOSSARY | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.utoledo.edu/as/pspa/faculty/LINDEEN/GLOS3260.HTM | work =University of Toledo | pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-03 | language = ] Often these two roles overlap, with politicians/civil servants simultaneously being employed in the private sector. Political analysts claim a symbiotic relationship can develop between the private sector and sections of government, based on the granting of reciprocated privileges, a conflict of interest to the detriment of the nation.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Methodology | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.opensecrets.org/revolving/methodology.asp | work =opensecrets.org | pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-03 | language = ] The revolving door concept is important in various political concepts, notably regulatory capture. The term is also more generally used for positions with high turnovers.

The Cycle

Private sector to Government

*Experience – supporters of the flow of employees between government and the private sector justify the flow as understandable, given the government requires people with knowledge of the private sector and the private sector values people with experience in government.
*Influence - individuals who are influential in the private sector may be beneficial to a government with interests that desires cooperation with the private sector. [ [http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/joss_garman/2007/06/flying_too_close.html#comment-672601 Flying too close] ]
*Political Support - political donations and endorsement can be granted a by vested interest to a government, if the government employs people who are loyal to the vested interest.

Government to private sector

*Access to government, including influential politicianscite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=A Bipartisan Brothel With a Revolving Door Entry | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/a-bipartisan-brothel-with_b_8775.html | work =Huffington Post | pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-03 | language = ]
*Favorable policy and regulation.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Revolving door spins faster than ever in D.C | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnist/raasch/2005-04-14-raasch_x.htm | work =USA Today | pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-03 | language = ]
*Insider Knowledge
*Award contracts for governmental work

*NB In Australia, this is of significant public debate as many state leaders have become private consultants for corporations. There is no legislation against this revolving door in Australia.

Current regulation

US

"Under current law, government officials who make contracting decisions must either wait a year before joining a military contractor or, if they want to switch immediately, must start in an affiliate or division unrelated to their government work. One big loophole is that these restrictions do not apply to many high-level policy makers..., who can join corporations or their boards without waiting." cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Pentagon Brass and Military Contractors' Gold | date= | publisher= | url =http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E2DC1538F93AA15755C0A9629C8B63 | work =NY Times | pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-03 | language = ]

Japan

The institutionalized practice of placing retiring bureaucrats into senior positions of industries they once regulated, known as Amakudari, has increasingly been recognized for its corrupting influence on government. In April 2007, a law to phase out Amakudari will prohibit ministries from attempting to place bureaucrats in industry in 2009. However, the law also removed a two-year ban that prevented retiring officials from taking jobs with companies they had official dealings with during the five years prior to retirement.

Revolving door in specific industries

Defense industry

Lobby industry

Analysts claim the lobbying industry is especially affected by the revolving door concept, as the main asset for a lobbyist is contacts with and influence on government officials. This industrial climate is attractive for ex-government officials.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=The Lobbying Game: Why the Revolving Door Won't Close | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1160453,00.html | work =Time | pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-03 | language = ]

Notable examples

*Linda Fisher
*Philip Perry
*Elizabeth Cheney

External links

* [http://www.opensecrets.org/revolving/ Revolving Door database at Opensecrets.org] searchable database
* [http://www.againstcorruption.org/BriefingsItem.asp?id=13093 Revolving Doors in the UK Defence Industry] UNICORN article - www.againstcorruption.org/

References