Democratic transition and elite integration in Slovenia from 1988 to 1995

Iglič, Hajdeja (author), Rus, Andrej (author)

Integrated elite structure is the key for regime stability because 'consensually integrated' elites are more inclusive of different elite circles and opposing elite factions, thus reducing the possibility of democratic breakdowns. Integration of elites in the national arena, and consequently the consolidation of democracy, depends largely on ability of elite actors to form ties with people in different social and policy circles. Elite integration is thus defined as crosscutting elite circles. In the study of ego-networks of elite actors in Slovenia before and after the transition we found systematic changes in elite structure that confirm the general trend toward elite integration. We found that post-transition networks were larger, more inclusive of weak ties and contacts with dissimilar point of view or sectoral affiliation. This trend of opening-up, and reaching-out of post-transition elite actors is consistent with the increasing elite integration. While these findings indicate the trend toward elite integration in Slovenia, the path to consensual unity of elites is still long and uncertain.

• Language: English
• Keywords: Republika Slovenija
• Work type: Not categorized
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FDV - Faculty of Social Sciences
• Year: 2000
• Number of pages: Str. 198-222
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-5513
• UDC: 316.34
• ISSN on article: 0352-3608
• COBISS.SI-ID: 20183901
• Publication date in RUL: 11.07.2014

Record is a part of a proceedings

• Title: Mechanisms of social differentiation in Slovenia
• COBISS.SI-ID: 20181597

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Družboslovne razprave
• Shortened title: Družbosl. razpr.
• Publisher: Slovensko sociološko društvo, Fakulteta za družbene vede
• ISSN: 0352-3608
• COBISS.SI-ID: 7530242

Secondary language

• Language: Unknown
• Keywords: Republic Slovenia