A teoria das elites supõe que toda forma política produz distinção entre minoria dirigente e maioria dirigida. Sua origem é tão antiga quanto a tradição da filosofia política, e remonta à crítica de Sócrates às rotinas igualitárias na Atenas do século V a.C. Com segurança e clareza, a autora apresenta nesse livro os principais pensadores da teoria das elites moderna, como Gaetano Mosca, Vilfredo Pareto e Robert Michels. Investiga versões contemporâneas do elitismo, com Joseph Schumpeter e Robert Dahl, além de seus ecos na formação da República brasileira, com atenção às obras de Oliveira Vianna e Assis Brasil, figuras-chave do pensamento republicano autoritário e liberal, respectivamente. Um panorama claro e abrangente sobre o elitismo ao longo do tempo. Inclui textos de Vilfredo Pareto e Robert Michels inéditos em português.
The discussions in this book are fascinating, I even enjoy it, but I think it would be a book that I would have to read out of academic obligation. The person who recommended this book was a brilliant professor, a bit of a nerd, but too beautiful - I think I was in love with him at the time and read it without question. It paid off, I confess, but it is not the kind of book that fits the profile of a TBR. Not all my reading lists are composed of fiction books, and I love to combine genres and, when possible, mix them with non-fiction books to go deeper into specific points. The author assumes that every political form produces a distinction between the ruling minority and the majority in this book. Those who are not minimally familiar with some of them may find it a little difficult to understand. Although I enjoyed the time, I ended up reading it at the wrong time.