Classic Elite Theory, Global Democratic Governance and the Emergence of Global Elites

Abstract

In the Contemporaneous Global Order, the existing Governance system is becoming more and more global as well as democratic, in its own claiming qualification. The theory and the action come to be in confrontation as it used to happen in all historical periods. The political and institutional discourse still argue for the interest and representation of the will of the majority, as well as a governance system and model which exist and work in the name of the majority. No matters if we consider the national/state level, the supranational-regional level or the supranational-global level. But, is this so? Or is it another formula, the ideology of the modern meta-utopia? The main objectives of this panel are: 1. to explore the possible application of the contributions of the classic elite theory and theorists to the [new] supranational experiences and realities [multilevel and multidimensional perspectives to be considered] ; 2. to explore the similarities and differences between democratic theory/discourse and reality/action through the eyes of the classic elite theory (M. Ostrogorski, V. Pareto, M. Weber, R. Michels, etc.) in comparison with the proposals of the “new” theoretical models (R. Dahl, J. Barber, etc) considering a multilevel perspective and dimensional analysis; 3. to find out if there is an effective [Global] Democratic Governance and to understand its real supportive factors in different fields (from the political to the military: from the scientific to the economic, etc.) and levels; 4. to find out “who governs?”, which is to say: is there a global elite? - and understand how does it governs and comes to do it, as well as its typology. The final purpose of the panel should be to get evidence of the main differences and similarities that can be found on the way “Democracy” and “Elite” issues can articulate from the Classic to the Contemporaneous Global World Order and what paretian derivations can we expect to be produced within. Interdisciplinary methodological approach should be considered. Critical analysis as well as comparison are also welcome.

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