THE NEW ELITES IN THE BALTIC STATES - RECIRCULATION AND CHANGE

Regime change is closely connected to elite change, although classical theories of elite rule would predict considerable elite continuity. T he basic question is how the downfall of communist regimes and introdu ction of democracy have affected elite patterns in the three Baltic st ates. The data indicate a combination of continuity and change: circul ation of indigenous elites has taken place, while Russians are exclude d from power in important state institutions. Elite continuity is expl ained by lack of ''alternative elites'' and a need for competent leade rs in the state building process. Elite change is explained by ethnic cleavages which raise the issue of indigenous control over power posit ions.