IVANOVA LILIA ALEKSANDROVNA

The article analyses the characteristics of the regional political elite from the point of view of the region’s public opinion. The purpose of the study is to examine public opinion concerning the elite political group of the Astrakhan region. The paper presents the main theoretical approaches to the definition of the political elite and identifies its structural characteristics in modern Russian society. The author conducted a questionnaire sociological survey of the population of the Astrakhan region, according to the results of which there is a formulated idea of the state of the regional elite. Additionally, the article describes the advantages and disadvantages of this group, considers the key qualities of its representatives, and possible ways to further development. The author concludes that the population of the Astrakhan region characterizes the political elite extremely contradictory: with a negative characterization of its main representatives in terms of qualitative indicators and parameters of its effectiveness, we can see the positive dynamics of public opinion. Also, the public opinion poll confirmed the expert point of view regarding the low level of conflict of the Astrakhan political elite and its ability to find solutions to difficult political situations. The study of regional political elites promotes dialogue among all actors in the political process.