Italian Elitism and the Reshaping of Democracy in the United States

This book explores the reception of Italian elitism in the United States, tracing its theoretical influence from the early 1920s to the publication of Mills' "The Power Elite" in 1956. It highlights the contributions of key authors such as Schumpeter, Lasswell, and Mills to American political thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate reception of Italian elitism in the United States, unveiling its pivotal figures, phases, and overarching themes. It begins by reconstructing the scientific and political debates sparked by the works of prominent Italian thinkers such as Mosca, Pareto, and Michels in the United States. This theoretical influence is then explored within the American scientific and academic contexts. Spanning from the early 1920s, when elitists first made contact with American academia, to the publication of The Power Elite by Mills in 1956, which marked the emergence of American elitism, the analysis takes into account the significant period of transformation.

The first part of the study delves into the global debate that ensued upon the introduction of elite theory. It explores the reactions and interpretations of this theoretical framework across the Atlantic, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and adaptations it encountered. The second part focuses on the original American reworking of the elitist lesson, with a particular emphasis on the works of Joseph A. Schumpeter, Harold D. Lasswell, and Charles W. Mills. These authors, among others, were deeply influenced by Italian elitism and played a crucial role in shaping American political thought.

The book's primary objective is to shed light on the profound contribution of Italian elitism to the development of American political thought. By examining the reception, adaptation, and theoretical influence of Italian elitism in the United States, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between different intellectual traditions and the shaping of political ideas. This study offers valuable insights into the historical, social, and intellectual factors that have contributed to the evolution of American political discourse and will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and students of politics, sociology, and social theory.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 160 x 243 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367629700