Elite Foundations of Liberal Democracy

The study delves into the role of elites in the creation and sustainability of political regimes, emphasizing that liberal democracies rely on united elites. Higley and Burton analyze how these elites form in modern contexts and identify potential pressures that could alter their structure and function in established democracies. They question whether the elite alignment around George W. Bush signals a significant shift, ultimately challenging optimistic views on the future of liberal democracy in the twenty-first century.