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The Ruling Class
Published in 1896, the Elementi di Scienza Politica gained immediate and broad recognition as a masterpiece of political theorization following the general course set 400 years before by Machiavelli. Mosca perceived that the manner in which ruling classes renew their membership has a vital signifigance for the prosperity of nations. His conception of social forces and of the rulers who acquire the power to control them served as a theoretical foundation for Italian fascism.
514 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1896
About the author
Gaetano Mosca
33 books39 followersGaetano Mosca was an Italian political scientist, journalist and public servant. He is credited with developing the elite theory and the doctrine of the political class and is one of the three members constituting the Italian school of elitism together with Vilfredo Pareto and Robert Michels.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 27, 2017
This is one of the best books I've ever read.
Mosca's thesis re: the existence of a minority 'ruling class' in human societies is well-developed and surely correct. He describes the phenomenon in great detail, and discusses its properties, dynamics, etc. He argues plainly and dispassionately in what ought be the true manner of a political scientist.
But Mosca's work on the whole is a treasure trove of scholarly historical research, and is laced (in spades!) with unmistakable and rare wisdom. Mosca displays a profound understanding of both human nature and the structure of human societies throughout his work; over and over again one comes across a passage that reads as remarkably prescient - especially when one considers that it was published before the second World War. I lost count of how many pages I've highlighted.
They don't make 'em like they used to!
Mosca's thesis re: the existence of a minority 'ruling class' in human societies is well-developed and surely correct. He describes the phenomenon in great detail, and discusses its properties, dynamics, etc. He argues plainly and dispassionately in what ought be the true manner of a political scientist.
But Mosca's work on the whole is a treasure trove of scholarly historical research, and is laced (in spades!) with unmistakable and rare wisdom. Mosca displays a profound understanding of both human nature and the structure of human societies throughout his work; over and over again one comes across a passage that reads as remarkably prescient - especially when one considers that it was published before the second World War. I lost count of how many pages I've highlighted.
They don't make 'em like they used to!
February 25, 2011
This is one of the handful of classic elite analyses of power, along with the works of Pareto and Michels. Mosca argies that a small group of people will generally end up with ruling power. It is a classic within the elitist approach to explaining who has power and how society is structured.
September 9, 2026
An incredible book. One of the best I’ve read
November 10, 2011
Mosca's comparative advantage is in elite theory, so although he writes well about religion and war, most of the book is wasted in him saying things that have already been said well enough elsewhere. The discussions of the elite only take up about a quarter of the book.
September 25, 2022
Πρόκειται για συντομευμένη έκδοση στα ελληνικά αποσπασμάτων από ένα μεγαλύτερο βιβλίο του Μόσκα. Το αποτέλεσμα είναι το βιβλίο να δείχνει κάπως ασύνδετο ενώ κάποιες ιδέες του αναλύσεις φαίνεται να επαναλαμβάνονται σε διάφορα σημεία. Σ'αυτό συντελεί και η μεθοδολογία που ακολουθεί ο Μόσκα, όπως πετάγεται από την μία εποχή στην άλλη και από τη μία χώρα/ήπειρο στην επόμενη και πάλι απ'την αρχή.
Ωστόσο, ακόμη κι έτσι, τα επιχειρήματα του γύρω από τους μηχανισμούς με τους οποίους ανανεώνεται ή ανατρέπεται μία άρχουσα τάξη, για να έρθει μία νέα στη θέση της, ο ρόλος των ελίτ στην ακμή, παρακμή ή θάνατο ενός έθνους, οι λόγοι πρόκλησης κρίσεων, ο ρόλος των ξένων εισβολέων που αναλαμβάνουν τη διακυβέρνηση μιας χώρας.
Ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον έχει η απάντηση του στη μαρξική θεωρία που επιχειρεί να εξηγήσει τα πάντα με μόνο εργαλείο την οικονομία και τους μηχανισμούς παραγωγής (ενώ θεωρεί όλα τα υπόλοιπα "εποικοδομήματα της οικονομίας), όπως και απόρριψη του ιστορικού ντετερμινισμού που επιχείρησε ο Μαρξ επάνω στη θεωρία αυτή. Επίσης, μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον έχουν τα τελευταία υποκεφάλαια όπου συζητά το εάν είναι αναπόφευκτο ή όχι να πεθάνει ένα έθνος και με ποιούς όρους μπορεί να συμβεί ή να αποφευχθεί, και το ρόλο του διπόλου παράδοση/εκμοντερνισμός.
Ωστόσο, ακόμη κι έτσι, τα επιχειρήματα του γύρω από τους μηχανισμούς με τους οποίους ανανεώνεται ή ανατρέπεται μία άρχουσα τάξη, για να έρθει μία νέα στη θέση της, ο ρόλος των ελίτ στην ακμή, παρακμή ή θάνατο ενός έθνους, οι λόγοι πρόκλησης κρίσεων, ο ρόλος των ξένων εισβολέων που αναλαμβάνουν τη διακυβέρνηση μιας χώρας.
Ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον έχει η απάντηση του στη μαρξική θεωρία που επιχειρεί να εξηγήσει τα πάντα με μόνο εργαλείο την οικονομία και τους μηχανισμούς παραγωγής (ενώ θεωρεί όλα τα υπόλοιπα "εποικοδομήματα της οικονομίας), όπως και απόρριψη του ιστορικού ντετερμινισμού που επιχείρησε ο Μαρξ επάνω στη θεωρία αυτή. Επίσης, μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον έχουν τα τελευταία υποκεφάλαια όπου συζητά το εάν είναι αναπόφευκτο ή όχι να πεθάνει ένα έθνος και με ποιούς όρους μπορεί να συμβεί ή να αποφευχθεί, και το ρόλο του διπόλου παράδοση/εκμοντερνισμός.
Want to Read
January 7, 2010On first blush, looks like an Italian version of C. Wright Mills' The Power Elite....or vice versa ?
June 10, 2023
4 stars might be a little generous.
Definitely a slog to get through for me.
Very bloated with history that he gives almost no sources for as well as filled with assertions that he doesn't even try to prove with logic let alone empirical evidence. Also essentially any time he brought up matters of religion, I was in pain from the cringe.
That said there are enough nuggets of brilliant points, most of which I had been aware of already but are rarely stated, that I feel it is worth reading.
Definitely a slog to get through for me.
Very bloated with history that he gives almost no sources for as well as filled with assertions that he doesn't even try to prove with logic let alone empirical evidence. Also essentially any time he brought up matters of religion, I was in pain from the cringe.
That said there are enough nuggets of brilliant points, most of which I had been aware of already but are rarely stated, that I feel it is worth reading.
August 7, 2026
Non conoscevo la figura di Gaetano Mosca, e da laureata in scienze politiche è stato strano: Mosca è stato recensito da Gobetti, Sturzo, Croce... Non pretendo e non potrei competere, ma questo segnala l'importanza dell'autore.
Dunque, oltre invitare i miei amici che leggeranno questa recensione, vorrei invitare tutti a scoprire la figura e la dialettica (anche se ottocentesca) di Gaetano Mosca, il primo ad aver avuto una cattedra di scienza politica in Italia.
Dunque, oltre invitare i miei amici che leggeranno questa recensione, vorrei invitare tutti a scoprire la figura e la dialettica (anche se ottocentesca) di Gaetano Mosca, il primo ad aver avuto una cattedra di scienza politica in Italia.
October 17, 2024
This is an interesting introductory framework to power dynamics, but it misses out on developments in the psychoanalytical understanding of ideology, particularly for application in the contemporary multipolar world. We need a new analysis of how very different ideologies compete and interact more complexly than binary game theory.
May 9, 2024
Pretty good Italian elite theory text with dozens and dozens of historical examples to back the authors claims. An organized minority will always rule over the unorganized majority.
May 12, 2024
asi es mi buen gaetano, no podemos permitir que una minoría domine sobre la mayoría
October 19, 2026
Must read for anyone interested in politics.
May 22, 2022
“The Ruling Class" by Gaetano Mosca presents a seminal analysis of political power and the dynamics of ruling elites in society. Mosca explores the nature and characteristics of ruling classes throughout history, examining the mechanisms through which power is acquired, maintained, and exercised. This review aims to provide an academic evaluation of Mosca's arguments, discussing the book's strengths, weaknesses, and its significance within the fields of political science, sociology, and elite theory.
"The Ruling Class" delves into the intricate workings of political power structures and the formation of ruling classes. Mosca argues that society is fundamentally characterized by a ruling class that maintains its dominance through a combination of coercion, manipulation, and the cultivation of consensus among subordinate groups. He explores the recurrent patterns and mechanisms that enable ruling classes to perpetuate their authority, emphasizing the role of organized minority groups in shaping political systems.
Mosca's work stands out for its incisive analysis of power dynamics and the structures that sustain ruling elites. Drawing from historical and comparative perspectives, he illuminates the enduring nature of ruling classes across different societies and time periods. Mosca's examination of the interplay between power, social stratification, and political institutions offers valuable insights into the mechanisms by which societies are governed and hierarchies are maintained.
One of the notable strengths of "The Ruling Class" lies in Mosca's rigorous theoretical framework. He develops a comprehensive analysis of ruling classes, drawing from sociological, historical, and political perspectives. Mosca's emphasis on the role of organized minority groups as a driving force in political dynamics enhances our understanding of power relations and the complex interplay between ruling elites and subordinate groups.
Furthermore, Mosca's recognition of the inherent contradictions within ruling classes and their impact on political stability is particularly insightful. He acknowledges the constant tension between the ruling class's pursuit of self-interest and the need to maintain social cohesion and legitimacy. This nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between domination and consent enriches the book's analysis and contributes to its enduring relevance.
While "The Ruling Class" offers a comprehensive analysis of power dynamics, it is not without its limitations. Some critics argue that Mosca's analysis lacks a nuanced consideration of social and economic factors that contribute to the formation and maintenance of ruling classes. A more explicit engagement with the complexities of class relations, inequality, and economic structures would enhance the book's analytical breadth and offer a more comprehensive understanding of power dynamics.
Additionally, Mosca's focus on the ruling class and its mechanisms of domination may overshadow other social actors and their agency in shaping political processes. A more inclusive analysis that acknowledges the role of social movements, popular resistance, and counter-elites would provide a more balanced assessment of power dynamics and political change.
"The Ruling Class" holds significant importance within the fields of political science, sociology, and elite theory as a foundational work that sheds light on the nature of power and ruling classes in society. Mosca's analysis prompts critical reflections on the enduring nature of ruling elites and their impact on political systems. The book's contribution lies in its ability to uncover the intricate mechanisms through which power is consolidated and maintained, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of governance and social stratification.
"The Ruling Class" by Gaetano Mosca presents a penetrating examination of political power and ruling classes. Mosca's comprehensive analysis of power dynamics, the role of organized minority groups, and the contradictions within ruling elites provides valuable insights into the structures that shape political systems. While the book has some limitations, its enduring significance lies in its ability to provoke critical reflections on the nature of power.
GPT
"The Ruling Class" delves into the intricate workings of political power structures and the formation of ruling classes. Mosca argues that society is fundamentally characterized by a ruling class that maintains its dominance through a combination of coercion, manipulation, and the cultivation of consensus among subordinate groups. He explores the recurrent patterns and mechanisms that enable ruling classes to perpetuate their authority, emphasizing the role of organized minority groups in shaping political systems.
Mosca's work stands out for its incisive analysis of power dynamics and the structures that sustain ruling elites. Drawing from historical and comparative perspectives, he illuminates the enduring nature of ruling classes across different societies and time periods. Mosca's examination of the interplay between power, social stratification, and political institutions offers valuable insights into the mechanisms by which societies are governed and hierarchies are maintained.
One of the notable strengths of "The Ruling Class" lies in Mosca's rigorous theoretical framework. He develops a comprehensive analysis of ruling classes, drawing from sociological, historical, and political perspectives. Mosca's emphasis on the role of organized minority groups as a driving force in political dynamics enhances our understanding of power relations and the complex interplay between ruling elites and subordinate groups.
Furthermore, Mosca's recognition of the inherent contradictions within ruling classes and their impact on political stability is particularly insightful. He acknowledges the constant tension between the ruling class's pursuit of self-interest and the need to maintain social cohesion and legitimacy. This nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between domination and consent enriches the book's analysis and contributes to its enduring relevance.
While "The Ruling Class" offers a comprehensive analysis of power dynamics, it is not without its limitations. Some critics argue that Mosca's analysis lacks a nuanced consideration of social and economic factors that contribute to the formation and maintenance of ruling classes. A more explicit engagement with the complexities of class relations, inequality, and economic structures would enhance the book's analytical breadth and offer a more comprehensive understanding of power dynamics.
Additionally, Mosca's focus on the ruling class and its mechanisms of domination may overshadow other social actors and their agency in shaping political processes. A more inclusive analysis that acknowledges the role of social movements, popular resistance, and counter-elites would provide a more balanced assessment of power dynamics and political change.
"The Ruling Class" holds significant importance within the fields of political science, sociology, and elite theory as a foundational work that sheds light on the nature of power and ruling classes in society. Mosca's analysis prompts critical reflections on the enduring nature of ruling elites and their impact on political systems. The book's contribution lies in its ability to uncover the intricate mechanisms through which power is consolidated and maintained, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of governance and social stratification.
"The Ruling Class" by Gaetano Mosca presents a penetrating examination of political power and ruling classes. Mosca's comprehensive analysis of power dynamics, the role of organized minority groups, and the contradictions within ruling elites provides valuable insights into the structures that shape political systems. While the book has some limitations, its enduring significance lies in its ability to provoke critical reflections on the nature of power.
GPT
September 8, 2018
A deadpan demolition of democracy’s fairy tale.
Mosca exposes what any sharp mind suspects but few dare to say out loud: society is always ruled by an elite—whether in robes, suits, or military uniforms. He dissects power like a cold surgeon, showing that even the most “democratic” systems rely on a tightly organized minority manipulating a disorganized majority.
His central thesis? The people don’t rule. They never did. A “political class” always emerges and consolidates power, no matter how the system is painted.
This isn’t ideology—it’s anatomy.
Mosca isn’t raging against injustice—he’s just mapping the inevitable structure of all human systems. For those of us who’ve clawed our way up the so-called “social elevator,” it confirms what we saw on every floor: a few rule, most obey, and almost everyone is asleep.
Verdict: Brutal. Clean. Inescapable.
Perfect for minds tired of illusions and allergic to obedience.
Mosca exposes what any sharp mind suspects but few dare to say out loud: society is always ruled by an elite—whether in robes, suits, or military uniforms. He dissects power like a cold surgeon, showing that even the most “democratic” systems rely on a tightly organized minority manipulating a disorganized majority.
His central thesis? The people don’t rule. They never did. A “political class” always emerges and consolidates power, no matter how the system is painted.
This isn’t ideology—it’s anatomy.
Mosca isn’t raging against injustice—he’s just mapping the inevitable structure of all human systems. For those of us who’ve clawed our way up the so-called “social elevator,” it confirms what we saw on every floor: a few rule, most obey, and almost everyone is asleep.
Verdict: Brutal. Clean. Inescapable.
Perfect for minds tired of illusions and allergic to obedience.
May 28, 2009
Who gets what and why. This book really pisses people in power off (don't look at the man behind the curtain).
March 29, 2025
Brilliant. Insightful. Essential reading for anyone interested in understanding political processes.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews