PETRETSKYI V. Evolution of Ukrainian Political Elite of Zakarpattia of the First Half of XX Century

The difficulties of the process of development of elite, its structuring and functioning in the environment of different political regimes are in the focus of the research. The writer of the thesis has investigated the evolution of regional political elite and proved that it was not a single-stage act. The obstacles to the process of elite development were evident. It was influenced by the weak structuring of Zakarpattia society and by the lack of political and legal traditions of governance. Absence of the own political elite as well as competent and active political leader were the crucial political problems of political development in Zakarpattia of the beginning of XX century. Their functions were taken over by national and cultural intellectuals who performed an important role in the process of the citizens’ political socialization. The main characteristics of the political elite development process during the times of Austria-Hungarian Empire of the beginning of XX century have been studied. Establishment of the first elite groups in Zakarpattia has been researched. The structure of the political elite and its activity during the period of joining of Czechoslovakia Republic by historic Zakarpattia also has been traced.