THE RULING CLASS ON THE EVE OF REVOLUTION: THE IMPERATIVES AND EXTENTS OF POWER

Abstract

The article describes the preconditions for the Russian revolution of 1917. It analyzes the dialectic of the objective and subjective factors in the political processes before the revolution. It raises the question on how deeply the political decisions of the authorities can influence those processes. The author suggests using the method of "the reciprocal projection" and comparing the social economical consequences of the reforms of the 1860-ies and 1990-ies in Russia. The conclusion is made that in both cases such reforms result in property to be concentrated in the hands of a rather small group of people. To define them the author suggests using the notion "prorieters". The interests of proprietors become the main limitation of the power when making political decisions.