The New Russian Elite

The Soviet nomenklatura elite had distinct forms determined by its institutional character. Lists of key posts were compiled in the Central Committee of the CPSU. Appointment to these key posts was impossible without the agreement of the top Party organs. Despite differences in the nature of the positions included in the upper nomenklatura, the Soviet elite was monolithic in character and could on the whole be called a "Party-state elite." It comprised people who participated in decisions bearing on the state as a whole. All were members of the CPSU and had to be confirmed in their positions by the top levels of the Party.