What is Revolving Door?

Definition and meaning of revolving door: The metaphor of the "revolving door" describes the movement of individuals between public service roles and positions in private sectors, particularly industries that can benefit from government policy decisions. In essence, a public servant might leave their role to join a private company, only to return to public service later on, bringing with them potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that this blurs the line between public good and private gain, as those moving through the "revolving door" might prioritize corporate interests over public ones. In striving for an uncorrupted democracy, there's a growing push to implement measures that ensure a clear separation and prevent potential conflicts.

The revolving door phenomenon represents a form of structural corruption that is particularly insidious because it's often normalized or even institutionalized within the system. Individuals passing through the revolving door may leverage their public-sector experience and networks to benefit private-sector interests, often at the expense of public welfare. This could manifest in various ways, such as the drafting of legislation that disproportionately favors particular industries or the easing of regulatory measures that would otherwise protect consumers. Over time, this cyclic movement erodes the integrity of public institutions, as decision-making becomes increasingly influenced by corporate agendas. Moreover, it perpetuates a cycle where only those with insider knowledge and connections have the ability to shape public policy, thereby marginalizing independent voices and disenfranchising the average citizen. In the long term, the revolving door undermines public trust in democratic systems, making it harder to tackle other forms of corruption and systemic issues.

OpenSecrets provides a useful database for exploring the histories of members of Congress who have passed through the revolving door.