Duka A.V. Russian power groups in the (non)political space. Instead of a foreword. Vlast' i elity [Power and Elites], 2019, 6 (1), pp. 5-14.

Abstract

The text provides a summary of articles of the journal issue and their interpretation. In the author’s view, one of the central problems that researchers are concerned to one degree or another is the specificity of the domestic political process. This is not about a special historical path (although this is being discussed), but about a qualitative identification of Russian politics. Another problem is the processes of depoliticization of political space and political actors. Moreover, institutional restrictions on the professional activities of regional deputies are of no small importance. Significant in this context is the fragmentation of the professional community of economic actors, the difficulties of representing their interests in official political institutions. This applies equally to other social groups, which is due to the underdevelopment of civil society. No less problematic are the stories associated with the recruitment of administrative and political elites, their careers, as well as opposition and counter-elites.