Political Elite Transformation as a Driver of Structural Reform in the Era of Globalization
Political Elite Transformation as a Driver of Structural Reform in the Era of Globalization

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the transformation of political elites under the influence of globalization and analyses their role in shaping structural reform agendas in transitional economies. As globalization increasingly integrates national markets into the global financial and institutional architecture, the composition, orientation, and capacity of political elites become key determinants of economic resilience and institutional development. Using a multidisciplinary political economy approach combined with qualitative structural analysis, the research investigates how the transition from traditional, closed elite structures toward more technocratic and internationally connected leadership influences governance quality, institutional reform, and fiscal discipline. Empirical evidence is derived from semi-structured interviews with policymakers, civil society representatives, and international experts, complemented by documentary analysis of policy reports and institutional documents. The findings suggest that elites integrated into global governance networks are more likely to promote structural reforms that support foreign investment, institutional modernization, and long-term economic stability, while fragmented or locally entrenched elites may resist reform initiatives, contributing to institutional inertia and fiscal vulnerabilities.This study contributes to the literature on political economy and globalization by providing an empirical qualitative assessment of elite transformation in a transitional economy and by illustrating how global governance integration shapes domestic reform capacity. The findings offer policy-relevant insights for understanding the institutional conditions that facilitate structural reform in emerging and post-transition economies.

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