Article review: Starostin A.M., Ponedelkov A.V., Tovanchova E.N. Civilizational representation of the elite-formation process in the doctrinal dimension and political practice. State and Municipal Management. Scholar Notes. 2026;(1):144–154

Abstract

Modern state of societal development, being guided mainly by universal "democratic" principles and the leading role of political elites, contradicts the cultural, historical, and geopolitical foundations of any state functioning. In the article "Civilizational Representation of the Elite-Forming Process in Doctrine and Political Practice," Professor A. M. Starostin, Professor A. V. Ponedelkov, and Associate ProfessorE. N. Tovanchova offer an interesting vision on the elites role in a changing world order, which in some ways marks a return to national values, customs, and attitudes. This article is important in its conceptually new proposal to incorporate a civilizational component into understanding the actions of national elites. This study will be of interest to sociologists and political scientists, especially after a more detailed analysis of the civilizational factors influencing the elite decision-making.