Inheritance of power in the 21st century: legal mechanisms for the transfer of presidential powers to controlled viceroys and family members in authoritarian regimes

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of presidential clans in authoritarian regimes, particularly in Central Asian countries, and their impact on political processes and power transitions. Different methodological approaches were used to study the role of the president, differentiate between authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, and analyze post-Soviet clan communities. The research found that the governmental form influences the president's functions and powers, and that institutional reforms and elections in authoritarian regimes often serve to legitimize elite agreements. The study also examined power transitions in post-Soviet Central Asia, noting the importance of informal agreements and historical traditions in maintaining balance of power. However, it was revealed that the practice of transferring power within presidential clans hinders modern political processes and state development. The experience of power transitions in countries like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan were considered, each exhibiting unique risks and advantages related to succession or dynastic inheritance. It was found that the elites of the post-Soviet republics operate based on traditions and historically formed the mechanism of power, which has become a key aspect in determining the balance of power. The practical value of the identified results is to provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the transit of power, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.