Salazar's Ministerial Elite, 1932-1968

Abstract

IT IS MORE DIFFICULT to study dictatorships than democracies because the internal politics of the former are deliberately hidden from the public view. There is no free press, no free public opinion, no open lobbying or party competition. Even so, authoritarian regimes in the modern world must go through the process of renewal and change as they, like democracies, are forced to respond to the political and social pressures of the times. How is it possible, then, to chart the evolution of dictatorships? One way is through their recruitment of personnel into top political positions. Regardless of how powerful dictators are, the complexities of modern society and government make it impossible for them to rule alone. They may dominate their respective systems, but some of their authority must be delegated, which means that a governing elite stratum is formed just below them. That necessitates making decisions as to what sorts of men should be co-opted into the elite and how they are to be used effectively, yet kept under control. With respect to the latter problem, dictators face a choice between two strategies. Personnel can be shifted in and out of office constantly, so that no subleader gets too entrenched or builds up an independent power base. Alternatively, the dictator may try to put together a team of trusted subordinates to whom authority may be delegated. Which strategy do most successful dictators prefer? Do they use frequent turnovers to rejuvenate their upper echelons, and perhaps free themselves from compromising ties to