The article analyzes the approaches to the formation and modernization of Russian political and administrative elites, makes suggestions for improving this process. Based on the conducted elitology studies by Russian scientists in the South of Russia on problems of activity of Russian elite is analyzed political processes and tendencies of development of power elites at the first elitology forum. The article aims to identify the role of political elites in ensuring national security in the South area of Russia, on the basis of the comparative analysis the authors deals with the estimation of the level and extent of corruption in the society, as well as some aspects of the recruitment of regional elites. Discusses some of the divergence of experts and population’s positions about the prospects of interaction between elites and citizens. As a result, the authors made conclusions and recommendations for improving the system of formation of Russian political elites, based on studies of domestic and foreign experience.
