The Relationship between the Elite Theory of Politics and the Concept of Liberal Democracy

Abstract

In this paper, the general features of the 'classical elitist thesis' will be outlined, to be followed by a closer examination of the individual versions of this thesis put forward by its principal protagonists. Thereafter, we will examine the concept of liberal democracy. The latter discourse will be undertaken with a view to showcasing the relationship between the elite theory of politics and the concept and principles of liberal democracy. In other words, the question is whether the existence of elites is compatible with the existence of democracy.