The Machiavellians, defenders of freedom

In this book, James Burnham analyzes the works of Machiavelli and other Machiavellian thinkers such as Gaetano Mosca, Georges Sorel, Robert Michels, and Vilfredo Pareto.

Burnham argues that politics is fundamentally a struggle for power among competing elites, who use deception, manipulation, and coercion to maintain their dominance.

He advocates for a scientific approach to politics, separating ethics from political analysis, and suggests that political liberty can be preserved by creating a balance of power among different elite groups.

The book provides a realistic and pragmatic understanding of human nature and social dynamics, highlighting the importance of individual freedom and the perpetual struggle of elite classes in shaping political outcomes.