Duka A. Elity v krizisnom obshchestve [Elites in a crisis society]. Vlast’i elity [Power and Elites], 2022, 9 (1): 5–36. (in Russian)

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Abstract

The article analyzes the actions of political and administrative elites in a crisis. A crisis is defined as the maximum uncertainty of the existence of a societal (sub)system due to the inadequacy of the previous mechanisms for its regulation. Elites are seen as a dynamic part of the crisis situation. The implementation of anti-crisis policy also implies an internal division in relation to the measures taken by the dominant elite group — into supporters and opponents. The very response to the crisis depends on its nature and the capabilities of elite groups. A way out of a crisis situation may involve more than one option. Competition within the elite community, apart from programs, is based on attracting resources and securing legitimation. There are restrictions on the activities of the elites. They are of a societal, normative, value and other nature. Following the restrictions provides legality and legitimacy to the actions of power groups. At the same time, elites can act in defiance of restrictions, trying to justify this with expediency and efficiency. The basis of this practice is the relative autonomy of the elites. At the same time, in a crisis, the elites seek to maximize their potential at the expense of other actors, narrowing their opportunities in the public sphere. The expansion of this kind of activity can lead to a decrease in the role of democratic forms of exercising power and the rise of authoritarian ones. The weak development of civil society and the low institutionalization of democratic forms provoke support for authoritarian tendencies not only by elite groups, but also by part of the population. The legitimization of such a trend can be carried out through the discourse of normalization and following the historical path.