BUSINESS-COMMUNITY AS A SOURCE FOR RECRUITMENT OF POLITICAL ELITE IN POST-SOVIET LITHUANIA

Abstract

The author analyzes the process of the formation of the political elite of theRepublicofLithuaniaafter the collapse of theSoviet Unionin the light of the growing presence of representatives of business in ruling circles. The influence of people from the business community in the political process is described through the concept of “inner circles”. The article claims, that although in the beginning of the 1990s the political life inLithuaniawas dominated by intellectuals, representing Humanities and artistic elite, through time business increased its impact on political process not only directly entering political establishment, but also through other channels, including sponsorship of parties.

Keywords

• элита
• бизнес
• рекрутирование
• литва
• политический процесс