Some Aspects of the Evolution of Political Elites in the Countries of Eurasia
Authors: Iskakov I. Zh. 
Published: April 2023

The second decade of the XXI century in the Eurasian space was marked by new socio-economic and political developments. Significant changes have taken place in the political landscape of Eurasia. They were largely due to the fact that the political processes in which the Eurasian states that appeared on the map of Eurasia after the collapse of the USSR began to change their character. New political actors have entered the arena of political activity, gradually replacing people from the former party nomenclature. The political elite was now formed not from graduates of the Soviet higher school, but mainly from those who received education in higher educational institutions of Great Britain, Germany, China, the USA, Turkey, France, Japan, etc. The consequence was the reorientation of such politicians, political scientists, administrative workers from the traditional values of Euro-Asian peoples to liberal pseudo-traditions characteristic of for the realities of transatlantic states (“hedonism for the body and narcissism for the soul”).

Researchers note the generational change of political figures taking place in Central Asia today, the change in the composition of political elites, their positions in relation to neighboring countries and states that they consider as investors and allies. In the conditions of the SVO in Ukraine and the ongoing sanctions pressure on Russia, Russophobic sentiments have significantly increased both among the ruling circles and among ordinary residents of the Eurasian states. The media are especially trying to emphasize and develop this. The article provides examples of recent events in a number of EAEU countries and neighboring Eurasian states. Attention is drawn to the need for a wider dissemination of historical information about political and other events of modern and modern times in the Great Steppe. The effectiveness of the application of the principles and methods of economic, political, and cultural interaction of various state entities accumulated over the centuries in the heart of Eurasia is emphasized. Attention is drawn to the effectiveness of using education as a means of soft power to ensure the sustainable development of the states of the region. The prospects for the change of political generations, the need for “rejuvenation” of political elites are briefly described.

Aim. To highlight significant aspects and perspectives of the evolution of political elites in Central Asian countries.

Tasks. To introduce into scientific circulation the results of a comparative analysis of the formation and activity of political elites of new state formations in Eurasia at the present stage.

Methods. Comparative-analytical method, systematic approach, transdisciplinary approach.

Results. The changes in the political landscape of Eurasia and their impact on the activities of the political elites of the Central Asian countries are characterized. New elements of the state of the regional integration process are highlighted. The results of the use of education as a means of soft power in the change of political generations in the states of the region are shown.

Conclusions. In modern conditions, a significant factor in the formation of a new political landscape on the Eurasian continent is the emergence of new centers of power and the change of political generations of the ruling ones. It is necessary to expand the use of historical experience in the implementation of vocational education to include young people in the management system in the Eurasian states.