In defence: elite power

Abstract

This paper examines elite power and argues that for a better theoretical understanding of elite power we have to take into consideration that elites often do not initiate power struggles but apply their power ‘defensively’. The ability of Franco‐Mauritians, the white elite of the island Mauritius, to maintain power is the focus of this argument. They established a strong position in colonial times through their involvement in the sugar industry but have since faced numerous challenges to their (ethnic) elite position. Using their power defensively has been effective in facing these challenges and contributed to the relative success of continuing their elite position in post‐colonial Mauritius.