The sociology and education of the political elite in post-Soviet Georgia

¹ Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Department of Political Science, Tbilisi, Georgia
² Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Moscow, Russia
³ Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Department of Humanities, Moscow, Russia
⁴ Caucasus International University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tbilisi, Georgia

^* Corresponding author: avtandil.tukvadze@tsu.ge

Abstract

In this paper, the main reasons that led in the post-Soviet period to the process of replacing the ruling classes with the counter-elite are analyzed. In the study, using the dialectical methodology, the authors identify trends and, following them in a logical chain, explain the order of procedures for political elites’ circulation. This paper also focuses on the education factor, which significantly determines the process of formation and circulation of political elites in post-Soviet Georgia. If, in the Soviet period, one of the criteria for the formation and recruitment of local elites was local education, the trend in this direction in post-Soviet Georgia has been changed significantly. Education gained in Western, EuropeanAmerican universities has been one of the defining factors in the formation and recruitment of political elites by Georgia since its independence. However, in Georgia, mainly in Tbilisi, there are educational centers, socalled “elite schools”, the vast majority of which are attended by children of new Georgians, but according to the criteria of skills, 3-4 percent of schools accept students. This is the first phase of education for junior members of local political and powerful financial groups. The second phase is the migration of graduates of these institutions to higher education institutions of Western countries to get an education. Which makes it easier for returnees to the homeland to integrate into the elite structure. In conclusion, those criteria are set out that are necessary factors for replacing the power elite with the counter-elite.