The Machiavellians

Defenders of Freedom

By: James Burnham

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

This classic work of political theory and practice offers an account of the modern Machiavellians, a remarkable group who have been influential in Europe and practically unknown in the United States. The book devotes a long section to Machiavelli himself as well as to such modern Machiavellians as Gaetano Mosca, Georges Sorel, Robert Michels and Vilfredo Pareto. Burnham contends that the writings of these men hold the key both to the truth about politics and to the preservation of political liberty.©1943 James Burnham (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Burnham is the greatest political analyst of our century and this is his best book." ( National Review, 100 Best Non-Fiction Books of the Century)

Best short description of how politics actually works

“[Gaetano] Mosca argues that majority rule, without which democracy cannot exist, is literally impossible. In every society, regardless of its political form, an organized minority constitutes the actual ruling class. It rules by myths that unify society and facilitate the acquisition of the habits that keep the ruled in their accustomed grooves of behavior. In times of stress when the ruled see through the myths and become restive, the rulers fall back on fraud to retain their power. If the fraud is no longer accepted and resistance begins, the rulers resort to naked force. [Vilfredo] Pareto argues that if the ruled revolt and succeed in overthrowing their rulers, it is not the people who come to power but the leaders of the people, a new elite replacing an old elite. Revolutions in effect are a circulation of elites into and out of power. Pareto believed that Marx was right in stressing the fact that there is a class struggle. He was wrong in believing it would ever end. As soon as the workers overthrow the capitalists, a new class, a new minority, whether of bureaucrats, intellectuals, commissars, or what not, come to power and enjoy the privileges of power. In this sense, the class struggle is sure to endure forever.”

I'd listen again

I don't necessarily agree, but this has good detail and its worth listening to again.

the book is from before the computer and internet age

Excellent book

The narration was excellent!
This book was written in 1943. The perspective of that is very interesting to listen. The people he talks about I had never heard of and the author explains them well.
Worth your time that’s for sure

Incredibly insightful

This book attempts to lay the foundations for a scientific theory of politics and society. The theories presented mostly come from the Italian school of elitism. The author additionally applies his framework to modern times (1940s for him) to briefly describe the revolution that the world had experienced over the previous 70 years.

This book is unusual in that it attempts to apply a materialist scientific lens to class structure and elite rule but it does so from a center right (somewhat libertarian) perspective. Historically attempts at a scientific analysis of class struggle have come from the left.

This book is definitely worth reading for anyone looking for a unique perspective on politics and freedom.

Machiavelli explained

A brilliant first exposure for me to Machiavellian thought and political science, with fascinating insights that still have relevance today despite being written 80 years ago.