Concerning the transformation of society and the qualities of elite groups in the works of R. Michels

After 1991 in the modern Russia there was a transformation of social conditions and the quality of the elite groups (for instance, accession of representatives of clergy and business communities to the elite groups) comparable to the changes in the European countries after the World War I. The author argues that the methodology developed by R. Michels basing on the data of the European countries in the early twentieth century, with some specializing can be applied to analyze and resolve the current situation in the Russian Federation, as it allows you to identify the causes of the political tension between the elite groups and to develop measures to its reduction. The methodology developed by R. Michels considers the elite as a group segmented according to the occupation attribute. Each part of the elite in the relationship with the rest can appeal to the public support, especially if it believes that its interests are not respected. Such conflict interactions in Europe of the early 20 th century and in the modern Russia occurred and are occurring after the major social transformations affecting among other things the elite structure. As an example of such a situation of social tension the author considers a question of the “creative class’s” participation in the politics. R. Michels studied similar movements of intellectuals conditioned by analogous causes almost a century ago. The author notes the reasons for the similar situation: excessive number of personnel with higher education, discrepancy of ideological orientation of the ruling and intellectual elites. The author believes it is necessary to develop specific practical guidelines to prevent clashes between the elite groups.