Research Seminar: Cathrin Mohr (University of Bonn)

Title: "Who makes it in an Autocracy? Networks and Politics in the GDR"

  • Date: 09 November 2021 from 12:00 to 13:15

  • Event location: Microsoft Teams

Abstract

The founding phase of states is a critical juncture in which important and long-lasting decisions are made. These decisions are made by a small political elite. It is not clear which mechanism determines the membership in this elite in autocratic states, which lack elections. In this paper, we analyze how networks affect who becomes part of this political elite.  We study the founding phase of former the former socialist German Democratic Republic. We regard networks that have been formed during joined imprisonments before the foundation of the GDR. We find that having a link to a leading politician has a negative effect on an individual’s career. People are more likely to be demoted once they have such a link.  

Invited by: Massimiliano G. Onorato

Local Organizer: Massimiliano G. Onorato