Change of Regime-Continuity of Elites? The Case of Estonia
Change of Regime-Continuity of Elites? The Case of Estonia

Summary/Abstract: Change of elites from one regime to another may take various forms. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, the new democratic regimes faced the problem of balancing the change in governing institutions with the continuity of elites. This balance between former regime supporters and new rulers after the demise of a totalitarian regime is crucial for the type of democracy that will be established. Elites surviving from one regime to another create a special problem of legitimacy in transitional societies. A democratic regime often depends on persons from the old regime and thus can facilitate or force a renewal of political identities. Former elites who adopt democratic attitudes may be an important resource for democracy. This study shows how the small postcommunist state of Estonia addressed the problem of balancing change and continuity of leadership after regaining independence in 1991. [...]

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