Contents
- What is the establishment?
- Types of establishment
- The role of the establishment in the state
- The establishment in different countries
What is the establishment?
The establishment refers to a group of people who hold significant influence in society or in a specific area of life. These individuals do not always hold official positions; however, their authority and capabilities allow them to shape public opinion and set rules, which in turn supports the existing social order. An example of the establishment can be the British royal family, whose members, although not directly involved in politics, nonetheless influence the political situation in the country. The image depicts the ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament featuring the King and Queen.
Types of establishment
The establishment can be conditionally divided into several categories depending on the sphere of their influence:
Political establishment
The political establishment includes individuals who directly govern the country through government bodies, as well as those who indirectly influence the political environment. This category includes leaders of government organizations, well-known political figures, and representatives of various social groups. For example, the "Independent Newspaper" publishes a ranking of the "100 Leading Politicians of Russia," which includes not only officials but also representatives of large companies such as "Lukoil," "Gazprom," and "Sberbank."
Economic establishment
The economic establishment includes successful entrepreneurs and company executives who possess significant financial influence. These individuals can affect the state of the market and social processes by controlling large capital and sectors of the economy. An example of the economic establishment is the general partners of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Cultural establishment
The cultural establishment includes well-known directors, actors, and representatives of the entertainment industry who shape the cultural landscape of the country. For instance, the "Cinema Foundation" creates lists of leaders in the domestic film industry who have a significant impact on the development of Russian cinema.
It should be noted that many of these individuals can simultaneously influence politics, economics, and culture, having connections and authority in various spheres of society. The classification of the establishment by spheres of influence is just one possible approach, and other criteria, such as scale or geography of influence, can also be used.
The role of the establishment in the state
The establishment plays an important role in the functioning of the state system, as it determines both internal and external policy. Experts examine the composition and activities of ruling elites, as well as their influence on the development of the country. One of the methods of analysis is calculating the Elite Quality Index (EQx), which takes into account over 120 indicators of social, economic, and political situations. For example, the index includes data on tax crimes, living standards, women's rights, and other important aspects. The higher the living standard and the protection of citizens' rights, the more effectively the establishment functions.
The establishment in different countries
There are numerous theories regarding the composition and influence of ruling elites in various countries. One of the most well-known is C. Wright Mills' theory of the power elite, which posits that the ruling elite consists of influential players in business, the armed forces, and government. Other approaches highlight the elite and the wealthiest individuals who control a significant share of national wealth.
The composition of the establishment varies depending on the country and the level of development of its institutions. For example, in Pakistan, the establishment includes representatives of military authority and intelligence agencies, which significantly influence government decisions. In the UK, the political elite consists of the royal family, the aristocracy, and renowned scholars. In the United States, the ruling elite is represented by two main political parties, each of which includes diverse representatives of society. The Russian establishment comprises politicians, managers, businessmen, and cultural figures; however, the primary influence still belongs to state structures.