The monograph is devoted to the phenomenon of social connections in the system of public administration under Peter I. Using the example of the relations of His Serene Highness Prince A.D. Menshikov with Peter’s associates who occupied key positions in the management system of St. Petersburg and the province of the same name, the mechanisms of functioning of social networks, their influence on state reform and the career path of each of the actors are considered. Particular attention is paid to the various strategies of behavior of the Most Serene Prince, chosen by him depending on the social status, material and official capabilities of the counterparties, the degree of trust in them, personal interest and friendly sympathies. An important place is occupied by historical sources published for the first time, predominantly of an epistolary nature, characterized by rich information potential .The book is intended for specialist historians, political scientists, sociologists and philologists, as well as for everyone interested in Russian history. The publishing layout of the book is saved in PDF A4 format.