OPERA Data Bank

The empirical data in our paper are drawn from the OPERA research program (Operationalizing Programmatic Elites Research in America, 1988–2010). This study, conducted by William Genieys, was funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) from 2008 to 2012 (OPERA: ANR-08-BLAN-0032).

The survey examines the transformation of the highest levels of the U.S. power structure in the areas of warfare and welfare. We analyzed 399 biographies and conducted approximately 200 interviews. The survey covered more than 3,000 individuals in the highest positions of power. To define the scope of our study within these two vast sectors of public policy, we focused on those holding the highest positions of power among decision-makers during two major reforms: the expansion of the welfare state (Clinton-Obama) and the rise of the military-industrial complex (D. Rumsfeld).

The aim of the survey is to track changes in the composition of the elite over a long period of time—a group that plays a role in the policy-making process—and then to assess their actual influence on decision-making and reforms.

The listings were compiled using congressional directories from the LexisNexis database:

(i): From the legislative branch: the staff members have been selected from the Armed Services and Welfare Committees

(ii): from the executive branch: cabinet members responsible for defense and health policy, secretaries up to five levels below them, agency directors, and the General Staff.

Our survey draws on biographical data from various databases available on: institutional websites (the White House, DOD, DHHS, Congress), *Who’s Who in America?*, Leadership Library, First Street, Revolving Doors, Source Watch, Wikipedia, Legistorm, LinkedIn, and other websites.