Abstract
This article is the first systematic examination of the proposition that politicians can foster their careers through afliations with transnational elite clubs. Focusing on the Euro-Atlantic Bilderberg Group, I provide preliminary evidence in support of the proposition. I argue that politicians invited to the exclusive meetings gain valuable contacts, insider information and probably some backing. Still, most politicians who participated at Bilderberg conferences were never later elevated. But 133 were and sometimes even shortly after their appearance at the gatherings. Of these mainly
European politicians, 42 became prime ministers, presidents, or top representatives of international organizations like EU, NATO, IMF. However, I mostly found correlation, not causation. Only in several cases, there are additional indicia which suggest that "factor Bilderberg" was really one of the reasons for career advancements.
On the other hand, the suspicion of the Bilderberg Group's direct infuence on personnel policy cannot be confrmed.