Emerging Diplomatic Elites in Post-communist Europe: Analysis of diplomats

Abstract

This book presents the results of a study of the process of diplomatic elite transformation in post-communist countries. The study aims to analyse whether circulation or reproduction processes prevailed among diplomatic elites during the first decade and a half after the fall of communism. The author argues that a better understanding of these transformation processes can be achieved by looking at people at entry level in the political elite. The key to capturing the processes of circulation and reproduction among diplomatic elites is through analysis of the general characteristics of diplomats as well as the system of personnel selection. This study is based on a survey conducted by the author. Not unexpectedly, the composition of the emerging diplomatic elite shows some similarities across countries; however, the study demonstrates some striking differences as well.