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 social welfare. We analyzed 399 biographies and conducted approximately 200 interviews. The study 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 solely on the highest-ranking decision-makers involved in two major reforms: the expansion of the welfare state (under the Clinton and Obama administrations) and the rise of the military-industrial complex (under Donald Rumsfeld).

The aim of the survey is to identify, over a long period of time, changes in the composition of the elites—who are part of the policy decision-making process—and then to assess their actual influence on decision-making and reforms.

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

(i): From the legislative branch: the staff members were selected from the committees on defense and social welfare

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

Our survey draws on biographical information from a cross-referenced database available on the following sources: 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.