The features of formation and evolution of regional political elite in the post-Soviet Bashkortostan

The article deals with specific features of formation and evolution of the regional political elite of Bashkortostan during the Post-Soviet period. Consideration of the latest developments in the political elite of Bashkortostan is explained by the recent actions of the federal government in respect of the region and the appointment of the new head of the republic. It has led to the intensification of elite mobility and substantial changes in the structure of the regional elite. The author concludes that the change of the head of the region is followed by the destruction of the old patronage pyramid and building of a new one based on different principles of personal relations between elites (clientele) and the new political leader (patron).