Political culture of the Russian power elite in the conditions of socio-historical transformation

Abstract

Introduction. Analytical studies of political processes are perhaps the most obvious alternative procedure by which to study the political culture of modern ruling elites. This problematic is of particular relevance in relation to the Russian Federation, which is in complex geopolitical conditions and the ruling class is forced to make decisions and respond to contemporary challenges. Also important is the fact that the current Russian political system has undergone significant transformations over the past 30 years, having made the transition from the institutional fragments of the Soviet state, creatively adapting to modern technological and cultural conditions. Purpose. To study the peculiarities of the political culture of the power elite of Russia in the conditions of socio-historical transformation. The analysis includes the historical milestones of the USSR, its collapse and the modern stage. Methods: analysis, historical-comparative method, systematisation, generalisation, grouping, abstraction. Results. Within the framework of the conducted research it was established that in the conditions of socio-historical transformation the political culture of the power elite of Russia has certain features and elements of continuity. Against this background, the distinctive features of the political culture of the ruling elite in the Soviet Union have been highlighted, which include: orientation towards a strong center, formation of a conflict environment in power while being able to find a political compromise, promotion and support of the most rational personnel. At the same time, the events of recent years, active confrontation with the West have endowed political culture with new characteristics, in particular, the popularization of and orientation towards an illiberal worldview that emphasizes the perfidy of Western elites, the importance of cultural traditions and resistance to left-liberal political programs. It is also emphasized that today ideology is not the only and by no means the main determinant, as it used to be, of the motives behind the behaviour of the political elite. The factors explaining decision-making are power considerations, economic dynamics, and in some cases personal aspirations. Conclusions. The results obtained in this article will make it possible to continue a comprehensive study of the process of formation of the political elite in Russia in the context of electoral movements, to determine the features of the implementation of the democratic model of development of the ruling class in the country and the factors inhibiting this process.