Rudenko V. Neopatrimonialism in a Social Process: its Content, Essence and Peculiarities

The dissertation concerns the research of the content, essence and peculiarities of neopatrimonialism in modern world political systems. The essence of neopatrimonialism is shown by analyzing the main conceptual approaches to its problem. Neopatrimonialism is defined as social relations, which develop informal relationships, motivated by materialistic aspirations of domination and rule if democratic institutions exist. The definition of neopatrimonialism is given. It shows the relations based on societal-existential principal: mentality, traditions, trust and society values. These relations are the intertwining of customs and standards of specific domination and subordination between members of social interaction. The role of client-patronage system in modern power relations is shown, the specificity, contradictions of sub elite relations in Ukrainian society are defined, and ways to transformation of neopatrimonialism to democracy are shown and offered. Mentality, a social ideal, faith and other phenomena contribute to the stabilization of the existing social relations, but they are gradually updated under the influence of informatization and globalization which facilitate the democratization of relations. The dissertation considers basic social preconditions of neopatrimonial relations, particularly domination and rule. The role patron-client system is shown in modern power relations, as well as the transformation ways from neopatrimonialism to democracy. The specificity and contradictions of subelite relations in Ukrainian society, their influence on the neopatrimonialism. Neopatrimonial relations can be reconstructed towards democratization under such conditions as improving living conditions for population, the growth of culture and consciousness of citizens, changes of "the game conditions" in the system "power-citizens". A mechanism for citizens to influence governing processes in the society should be found. The institution of the ruling elite's responsibility to society should exist. The citizens should be prepared to radical changes.