Ruling class ("The Principles of Political Science"): "The Principles of Political Science"

Author: Gaetano Mosca
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2002-10-01
Features: As a foundational work of Italian conservative political theory, Mosca's The Ruling Class argues that in any society, there exist two starkly opposing classes—the ruling class and the ruled class. The ruling class is typically composed of warriors, priests, landowners, wealthy and educated groups, who manage public affairs, monopolize state power, and monopolize various honors. This is because only these few possess organizational capabilities, while the majority of the populace remains unorganized. Consequently, when a specific ruling class declines, another one inevitably takes its place. In fact, the entire struggle of human civilization has been shaped by this dynamic. Mosca's assertion has greatly influenced and contributed to the rise of "elite theory" in Western political science.