The cover of The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom

The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom

James Burnham

James Burnham reads Machiavelli and later political thinkers to explain how organized minorities rule, and how competing powers can protect liberty.

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7 parts, about 19 minutes to read.

At a glance

Author: James Burnham
Parts: 7 parts
Reading time: about 19 minutes
The whole book: Also to read in full

What the summary covers

Political Wishes and Political Facts2 min
Machiavelli: A Science of Power4 min
Mosca: The Ruling Class2 min
Sorel: Myth and Violence1 min
Michels: Leadership and Its Limits3 min
Pareto: Sentiment, Elites, and Change3 min
Politics and Truth4 min

Read it alongside

Goes deeperThe Dictator's Handbook
Burnham explains an organized minority's coordination advantage. Bueno de Mesquita and Smith explain how a small coalition backed by many potential replacements strengthens loyalty and expands a ruler's spending discretion.

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