«Berlusconism» as a Political Phenomenon: the Neopatrimonial Interpretation
https://doi.org/10.53658/RW2026-4-2(20)-242-253
Abstract
The relevance of the topic is related to the growth of conservative trends in the modern world. The reasons for this phenomenon are explained by the theory of neopatrimonialism, which focuses on the reproduction of traditional practices in the activities of modern bureaucracy. The author hypothesizes that the system of political governance created by S.Berlusconi had pronounced neopatrimonial features.
To prove this hypothesis, the following tasks were set: to identify the prerequisites for the emergence of “Berlusconism” as a political and cultural phenomenon and to prove its neopatrimonial nature; to show that the neopatrimonial practices used by the government of S.Berlusconi were economically effective and fully compatible with the institutions of democracy. The study analyzed the main factors that contributed to the political success of S.Berlusconi and his party.
It is established that S.Berlusconi’s strategy was most consistent with the political traditions of Italy. The author notes the common features of such political phenomena as “Berlusconism”, “Trumpism” and a number of others. It is concluded that the democratic decline, the rise of authoritarian populism, and the neopatrimonial trend are interrelated processes that have largely determined the content of the political transformations of the modern era.
Keywords
About the Author
I. V. Chaiko
Russian State Social University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Igor V. СHAIKO. CandSc. (Politic.). Associate Professor. Associate Professor of Department of SocioPolitical Institutions, Processes and Technologies
Build. 1, 4, Vilhelma Pika str., Moscow, 129226
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Review
For citations:
Chaiko I.V. «Berlusconism» as a Political Phenomenon: the Neopatrimonial Interpretation. Russia & World: Sc. Dialogue. 2026;(2):242-253. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.53658/RW2026-4-2(20)-242-253
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