Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública
Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública (ISSN-e 2341-4839) is published every six months and aims to disseminate high quality academic research that helps open up spaces for the dissemination and criticism of academic works and encourages scientific research and cooperation, thereby stimulating progress in matters related to the government, administration, public policies, assessment, etc.
In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of the distribution of power as an incentive for competition among rising powers: Spain and Portugal between 1479 and 1516
The study analyses the rivalry between Spain and Portugal (1479-1516) through the lens of International Relations theory, specifically applying Mearsheimer’s offensive realism. Its primary objective is to examine how the distribution of power within the multipolar international system of the fifteenth century shaped the security strategies available to both powers. The hypothesis posits that the shifting distribution of power (polarity) facilitated or constrained alliance formation and moderated competitive escalation. Methodologically, it is a qualitative and longitudinal case study. It analyses eight critical junctures by contrasting primary sources (diplomatic documents) and secondary sources (historiography). The independent variable is systemic stimuli (the availability of allies), and the dependent variable is the range of strategies (according to offensive realism) deployed by Spain and Portugal.
Security and Police policies as social innovations. Democratic governance, social needs and implementation challenges. The cases of Badalona and Pamplona (Spain)
This article analyses the reforms in the security and police policies in Badalona and Pamplona (2015-2018) as social innovations, departing from a critique of community security and policing models. Based on a qualitative methodology (interviews with key actors and analysis of documents and news), I investigate whether the two reforms were designed under the prism of social innovation (link between democratic governance and social needs detection), the practical consequences of this, and the implementation challenges encountered. The results show that both reforms were designed under the principles of social innovation and that the implementation was complex and contradictory.
The Swedish model of civic education: achievements, paradoxes and lessons for Spain from comparative European experience
This article examines the Swedish model of civic education, structured around the subject samhällskunskap, and analyses its outcomes in participation, competencies and institutional trust, contrasting them with the Spanish case. Through a qualitative comparative case study approach, curricular sources, international assessments (ICCS, OECD, Eurydice) and official statistics are reviewed. Three explanatory mechanisms for the Swedish success are identified: early introduction, active pedagogy and cross-curricular integration. However, paradoxes persist such as the formation of competent but cynical citizens, as well as regional and immigrant-origin inequalities. The article concludes with lessons for Spain, underlining the need to adapt the principles of the Swedish model to the specificities of the Spanish national reality.
Theoretical perspectives in public management: the interlocution of societal public administration with the new public service in the light of the circle of epistemic matrixes
The article establishes a dialogue between Societal Public Administration and the New Public Service, in the light of the epistemological aspects of the circle of epistemic matrices, as well as outlining the direction of critical and interpretive theoretical-empirical research. The aim of this theoretical essay is to contribute to the sociological debate on organizational theories based on the epistemic matrices proposed, to build an alternative theoretical and methodological framework for management research from the perspective of integrative knowledge. In the end, the result is a theory with the potential to underpin critical-hermeneutic studies, the categories of analysis for critical-interpretive research, with a proposal for empirical-theoretical research.
Reseña bibliográfica del Río Venegas, N. J. (2025). Luz en la sombra. Mi camino por la transparencia y el INAI. Zacatecas: Departamento Editorial, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas “Francisco García Salinas”, 216 pp. ISBN: 978-607-555-249-1.
Retractación [La competición por la hegemonía regional en el norte de África desde las Primaveras Árabes]
Nota de un artículo retractado: Memmi, E. (2025). "La competición por la hegemonía regional en el norte de África desde las Primaveras Árabes". Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública 12(1), e99788. https://doi.org/10.5209/CGAP.99788
The key intangibility of organizational culture and its relevance in the digital transformation processes of local public administrations
The object of this work is the relevance of organizational culture and its consideration as a key intangible in local Public Administrations, notably in digital transformation processes. To this end, and from a descriptive, analytical and critical approach, the necessary management of key intangibles is addressed based on knowledge, from its connection with the generation of public value, emphasizing culture as that abstract and complex construct in its handling, in addition to being dynamic by nature. Next, from the functions that it performs and that are decisive for the different Public Administrations to be able to legitimize themselves before the citizens, the investment programs and reforms carried out with the contributions of European funds are observed, from the reality of the local world.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Age, discrimination and disinformation: the democratic risks of political and digital ageism. The case of January 8, 2023 in Brazil
This article aims to explore the relationship between ageism and misinformation among older adults in Brazil, based on the framework of the anti-democratic acts of 2023. A mixed methodology is used, based on documentary and bibliographic analysis, as well as quantitative secondary data on the use of technologies by older Brazilians. The findings reveal that, although they were not numerically the most present or the most radicalized group, the media and discursive emphasis placed on them reveals a particular manifestation of political ageism, characterized by the gap in their recognition as full political actors and, on the other hand, the instrumentalization of their image as a shield for anti-democratic practices, generating social commotion through their stereotypical representation as vulnerable and incapable of participating autonomously in politics.
The Communist Party of Perú-Shinning Path at National University Mayor of San Marcos: searching for counter-space in public space
During the 1980s, Sendero Luminoso reached Metropolitan Lima and, as part of its war repertoire, carried out a series of actions involving the appropriation and reinterpretation of space. These actions took on a distinctive form at the National University of San Marcos. The extensive display of partisan symbols, semiotics, and behaviors projected the perception of a university dominated by the armed party and its followers. This perception became so pronounced that, beginning in 1987, the Peruvian Armed Forces repeatedly intervened in San Marcos, ultimately establishing a presence there in 1991. By 1992, following the capture of its leader, Abimael Guzmán, they dismantled any remaining Sendero leadership or materials within the university faculties. This text aims to document the methods of space appropriation employed by Sendero and assess their effectiveness through testimonies and visual archives from those who experienced the turbulent period of Peru's political violence at the end of the 20th century.
Energy policy: change or continuity in the promotion of renewable energies in the Mexican government?
Currently, the energy transition and the role that governments have in the development of policies aimed at promoting research, promotion, development and increased use of renewable energies has gained relevance, not only for the study communities but also for the government authorities too. Since the beginning of this century, the Mexican government begins to configure an energy policy aimed at promoting a greater participation of renewable energies into the energy matrix, a policy that over the years is configured with certain government actions and acquiring specific characteristics. In light of this, we ask: what are the defining characteristics of the policy aimed at fostering research, promotion, development, and increased use of renewable energy in Mexico? Moreover, was this policy strengthened under the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)? To address these questions, a descriptive and explanatory approach is employed, primarily based on qualitative methodology.
Effective informal institutions and embeddedness of participation: School Participatory Budget at the National University of Rosario (2020-2023)
We analyze the participation in the Participatory Budget (PB) of three secondary schools of the National University of Rosario (UNR), Argentina, over four consecutive editions (2020-2023) focusing on the articulation between the formal and informal dimensions present in the implementation process, and the embeddedness of participation. In these schools where different forms of political participation coexist, the PB is incorporated as a form of direct participation, which contributes to deepening the university citizenship of the school community. This qualitative study is developed through a cross-sectional analysis that seeks to show the relationship between informal institutions and participatory embeddedness. The main data collection techniques are participant surveys; interviews with students; and non-participant observation by the authors.
Gobernanza robusta: un nuevo modelo de gestión pública, por Carles ramió y Miquel Salvador en Tirant lo Blanch.
Artículo retractado [La competición por la hegemonía regional en el norte de África desde las Primaveras Árabes]
El artículo analiza la competencia por la hegemonía regional en el norte de África tras las Primaveras Árabes, destacando el papel de Argelia y Marruecos como actores clave en un contexto multipolar e inestable. Desde un enfoque basado en el realismo ofensivo de John J. Mearsheimer, el estudio examina cómo los eventos posteriores a las revueltas de 2011 alteraron el balance de poder regional, abriendo espacio a rivalidades tanto locales como internacionales. Estas tensiones son exploradas a través de un análisis del conflicto entre Marruecos y Argelia, en el cual las grandes potencias como Rusia, China, Estados Unidos y Europa juegan un papel central al apoyar a estos Estados en su lucha por maximizar su influencia regional. Este artículo está retractado. La retractación puede consultarse en: Retractación [La competición por la hegemonía regional en el norte de África desde las Primaveras Árabes". Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública 12 (1), e107272. https://dx.doi.org/10.5209/cgap.107272
Transforming government through innovation in civil service. The case of Madrid Talento
The objective of this article is to reflect on reforms in public talent to enhance legitimacy and trust in institutions, with a special focus on local government. The study centers on the Madrid City Council and its "Madrid Talento" initiative within its strategy to transform public employment. The methodology includes a theoretical review of the challenges faced by local government and their impact on human capital, followed by a practical analysis of the initiatives and results of "Madrid Talento." The study compares existing literature with the real case to identify which theoretical reforms have effective practical application.
Hacia una gobernanza algorítmica transparente: auditoría de sesgo. Estudio de caso.
This article examines the necessity of implementing bias audits in algorithmic systems, particularly within the context of public governance. With the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in governmental decision-making, concerns about the transparency and fairness of these systems have arisen. The paper analyzes various European regulations, such as the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), and case studies that highlight the persistence of biases in algorithms, emphasizing the importance of a proactive regulatory approach and systematic audits. Additionally, it discusses the ethical and social implications of algorithmic governance and proposes solutions to mitigate associated risks. Keywords Algorithmic governance, transparency, bias audit, artificial intelligence.
Competency-Based Management In Brazilian Federal Universities In The Context Of The National Policy For Employee Development
This research aims to broaden our understanding of the policies and practices aimed at the development of these federal civil servants in Brazil, considering the reference to the 2006, 2019 and 2020 Decrees, based on the People Development Plans (PDPs) of the Brazilian UPFs. A thematic analysis of 23 PDPs was carried out, considering Competency-Based Management (CPM). The study indicates that the UPFs have adopted practices that converge with the Decrees, using diverse and creative processes in the face of a lack of standardization of the Plans, practices aimed at training rather than competencies, a lack of metrics for measuring the efficiency of the PDPs and technical and political challenges faced by the people management units.
Copyright (c) 2024 Cuadernos de Gobierno y Administración Pública https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Participation platforms in the capitals of autonomous communities
This article addresses the analysis of the citizen participation platforms of those 18 capitals of the autonomous communities that have these spaces. To do this, it is identified which municipalities have platforms and what types and it is studied if there is any contextual factor that could justify it. To carry it out, the previous field work for this research consists of analyzing the digital spaces of citizen participation platforms, complemented by a bibliographic review of this subject. The results obtained demonstrate that the digital democracy system in Spain has not had the same impact in all the capitals of the autonomous communities.
University Teaching and AI: A Well-Matched Couple?
The present study analyzes how Artificial Intelligence impacts the role played by faculty in the learning process, based on a study of perceptions and expectations conducted among students enrolled in Social Sciences during the 2023/2024 academic year. The results suggest that students perceive faculty as a barrier to the use of AI in learning. Additionally, two important findings stand out: the use of AI in learning activities shifts students from AI-skepticism to AI-philia in just a few months, and it also generates a new paradox between the "democratization" of access and the "elitism" of exploitation and use of outcomes.
Inbound marketing model as a political and government communication strategy: attracting and involving citizens
It tries to respond to the absence of inbound marketing experiences in political and institutional communication in Spain, where its use is limited to the commercial sphere. Through an exploratory study, the behavior and impact of the methodology is analyzed in a case of institutional communication of a local administration and the reaction of the users is studied. It is concluded that inbound marketing applied to a case of political communication exceeds expectations and provides better data than business marketing. The result is satisfactory in terms of reaching the target audience and producing a high number of conversions to leads and closures.
Does the top manager’s profile influence sustainable development in local governments? Evidence from Brazil
This study analyzes the influence of the top manager’s profile on sustainable development in local governments. In this research, we investigate 184 municipalities of the State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil, from 2009 to 2016. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and econometric models estimated by FGLS method for panel data. The results show that sustainable development is influenced by the following top manager’s attributes: age, socioeconomic status, experience, education, and political orientation. From a theoretical perspective, the study provides evidence that the Upper Echelons Theory is consistent and applicable in the public sector, and expands the theory by including political orientation, which emerged as a relevant manager’s attribute.
Evaluación de la gestión de la pandemia COVID-19 en España. Editado por Manuel Tamayo, Isabel Bazaga y Rut Bermejo, en Tirant Lo Blanch, 359 pp.
Atención telefónica y calidad percibida en los servicios de atención primaria en España
The present study has a twofold objective. On the one hand, we analyze in a comparative way the level of perceived quality with respect to face-to-face and telephone primary care services in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, we studied the social and demographic determinants that may influence the level of satisfaction regarding telephone consultation. To this end, we used the Health Barometer 3357 (first wave) prepared by the Sociological Research Center (CIS) (2022). The information associated with the study variables that make up our model was analyzed descriptively and inferentially by means of ordinal regression analysis. The results, interpreted following the dimensions that articulate the SERVPERF model, indicate a lower level of telephone consultation in the categories of safety, reliability, empathy and responsiveness. In addition, patients attended by telephone have a lower level of satisfaction. However, we found no relationship between sociodemographic variables and the level of satisfaction with the telephone consultation. In conclusion, we must point out the risks presented by the expansion and increase of the telephone consultation modality in primary care services and its negative impact in terms of depersonalization and quality.
Ethno-racial institutional capacity in Latin America. Status of situation in 2023
The objective is to identify the level of ethno-racial institutional capacity directed to the attention of indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples in Latin America by the year 2023. For this, the academic literature on institutional capacities is reviewed and dimensions of analysis are determined, such as the legal dimension. -regulatory, organizational, technical-operative and financing. In methodological terms, information is collected through a documentary analysis strategy and a grading instrument is proposed. Finally, the level of ethno-racial institutional capacity is determined and the nineteen States analyzed are compared, specifying aspects of special attention for public administrations
Reforms, conflicts and electoral processes in the plebiscites of the Ignacio Zaragoza Auxiliary Board, Puebla (2014-2022)
The objective of this article is to describe the 2014, 2019 and 2022 electoral processes of the Junta Auxiliar Ignacio Zaragoza to determine the main problems and understand how these processes contribute to local participation; The methodology used is mixed, a statistical and documentary review of the plebiscites is carried out and interviews are carried out with people involved in the plebiscites in order to know the perception of the community. The limitations found are the lack of information from the institutions in charge and the few studies on this subject. The plebiscite process is an exercise that requires a legal and political review of the way it is executed due to the problems it presents and also the low participation of the population, since the auxiliary authorities are the closest to the community and represent a link more of local participation.
Hernández Lafuente, Adolfo (2023): El largo camino hacia la autonomía. La adecuación de las ciudades de Ceuta y Melilla a la organización del Estado autonómico, Observatorio de Ceuta y Melilla, Instituto de Seguridad y Cultura; UNED-Melilla