THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PHENOMENON OF POLITICAL ELITE AND THE SPECIFICS OF THE FORMATION OF POLITICAL ELITES IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of the concept of ‘political elite’ in the context of Western and Ukrainianpolitical science. The theoretical part is based on the works of G. Mosca, V. Pareto and R. Michels, who laid thefoundations of classical elitism, including the ideas of the inevitability of minority rule, the division of society into those who are ruled and those who are ruled, and the formulation of the concept of ‘elites’ as a group withhigher indicators in social and political life. Modern approaches – from meritocracy to democratic elitism and Mills’ concept of the ruling elite – demonstrate the pluralisation of views on the nature and functions of the elite.Particular attention is paid to the Ukrainian experience, which combines the Soviet nomenclature heritage,oligarchic influences and regional peculiarities. The author analyses the approaches of Ukrainian researchers whofocus on the closeness of elites, weakness of recruitment mechanisms and institutional instability. The article alsoidentifies new trends that have emerged since 2014: the growth of civic influence, partial staff turnover, and wartimechallenges. The article shows that institutionalised recruitment mechanisms in Ukraine, such as political parties, independent recruitment competitions, and transparent career ladders, remain underdeveloped, which creates risksof reproducing old clientelistic models. The article analyses aspects of the Ukrainian specifics of elite formation.The article examines the diffuse space of elite formation, shows the influence of factors that determine this process:from objective to subjective reasons and recognition of the legitimacy of the elite by society. It is concluded that the political elite of Ukraine is formed at the intersection of historical, institutional, economic and cultural factors,which requires a comprehensive scientific analysis and consideration in political reforms.