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The Observatory of the Executive Power (OBPEX)
A research hub for comparative research on the executive power triangle
About OBPEX
The Observatory of the Executive Power (OBPEX) is a research hub dedicated to advancing our understanding of the executive power triangle. We bring together scholars and experts from around the world to examine how political regimes, cabinets, and civil services interact and shape governance
Through rigorous research, we aim to provide insights into the functioning of executive power in diverse political contexts. Our research endeavours cover a wide range of topics, including political institutions, policy processes, and public administration
Our Research Focus
Political Regimes
We analyse the structure and functioning of political regimes, examining how different systems of government shape the exercise of executive power
Cabinets
We investigate the composition and dynamics of cabinets, analysing their role in policy formation, implementation, and accountability
Civil Services
We explore the organisation and performance of civil services, examining their contributions to effective governance and public service delivery
Public Sector Management
We delve into the challenges and opportunities in managing public organisations, including issues of efficiency, accountability, and innovation
Current Projects
COST Project
Explores the dynamic relationship between executive politicians, top civil servants, and ministerial advisers
Learn More
Enlace-Inserción UDP 2025
Examining how NLP and LLMs can shed light on cabinet responses to stochastic events in Latin American democracies
Relevant Publications
Fleming, T. G., González-Bustamante, B., & Schleiter, P. (2024). Cabinet Reshuffles and Parliamentary No‑Confidence Motions. Government and Opposition, 59(4), 1274-1288.
González-Bustamante, B. (2023). Ministerial stability during presidential approval crises: The moderating effect of ministers’ attributes on dismissals in Brazil and Chile. The British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 25(4), 655-675.
González-Bustamante, B. (2021). Evolution and early government responses to COVID-19 in South America. World Development, 137, 105180.
González-Bustamante (2020). The Politics‐Administration Dichotomy: A Case Study of the Chilean Executive during the Democratic Post‐Transition. Bulletin of Latin American Research, 39(5), 582-597.
Call for Thesis Students
The Observatory of Executive Power (OBPEX) welcomes applications from motivated students interested in researching executive power in diverse political contexts
This call in Spanish is open until 14 March 2025

Google Docs

Call Thesis MPP 2025.pdf

Enlace-Inserción UDP 2025 “Unpacking the Unpredictable: Using NLP and LLMs to Examine Cabinet Politics and Responses to Stochastic Events in Presidential Democracies”