GENERATIONAL CRISIS IN THE AMERICAN POLITICAL ELITE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE XXI CENTURY: THE PROBLEM OF GERONTOCRACY
https://doi.org/10.18384/2224-0209-2024-2-1426
Abstract
Aim. To analyze The US political elite through the prism of age factor.
Methodology. The description of social processes in the US is based on Strauss-Howe generation theory. Statistical and biographical methods are applied in the study. In particular, the analysis of statistical data on the age of American politicians in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the US federal government was carried out, and the US establishment representatives’ biographies were studied.
Results. At the beginning of the 21st century gerontocratic tendencies have intensified in the US political elite. The current situation was caused by the evolution processes that began in the 1970s. Different scenarios for American society transformation until the election in 2028 are presented.
Research implications. Taking into account the gerontocracy factor, it is possible to build an effective strategy towards the United States and draw conclusions that may be useful for the Russian political system. It is proposed to legislatively set an age limit for holding positions that imply making key decisions, but at the same time create a mechanism for older Russian politicians to broadcast their experience to new generations of managers.
About the Author
Roman A. Antonov
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Postgraduate Student, Department of History and Theory of Politics, Faculty of Political Science
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