“The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite” by Michael Lind is a provocative examination of the growing divide between the elite managerial class and the working class. In an era where populism is on the rise and traditional political structures are being challenged, Lind’s book provides a crucial lens to understand the forces at play. This book argues that the current political and economic tensions are not just about left versus right or globalism versus nationalism but are rooted in a deeper conflict between a ruling managerial elite and a disenfranchised working class. Lind’s thesis offers a compelling framework for understanding the systemic challenges facing modern democracies and provides potential solutions for bridging the widening gap.

Lind begins by tracing the historical development of the managerial elite, a class that emerged in the mid-20th century and has since gained increasing control over major institutions in Western societies. This group, characterized by its education, professional credentials, and control over the bureaucracy, media, and academia, wields power in ways that are often opaque to the general public.

Lind argues that this managerial class has supplanted the traditional bourgeoisie and working classes in terms of influence. Unlike the old elite, who derived their power from land ownership or industrial wealth, the managerial elite derives its power from control over information and knowledge-based industries. This shift has led to a significant change in the dynamics of power, with the managerial elite often aligning with globalist policies that favor open borders, free trade, and technocratic governance.

Example 1: Lind illustrates this shift with the example of the European Union, where unelected bureaucrats in Brussels wield significant power over the lives of millions, often with little input from the citizenry. This top-down governance model is emblematic of the broader trend of managerialism, where decisions are made by experts rather than elected representatives.

Memorable Quote 1: “The managerial elite has mastered the art of governance without democracy, wielding power without accountability.” This quote underscores Lind’s central argument that the current political system is increasingly undemocratic, with power concentrated in the hands of a few.

In stark contrast to the rise of the managerial elite, Lind describes the decline of the working class, which has been disempowered and marginalized in the new economic order. The working class, once the backbone of industrial societies, has seen its economic and political influence wane as manufacturing jobs have been outsourced and automation has reduced the need for labor.

Lind argues that the decline of the working class is not just an economic issue but a political one as well. As traditional labor unions have weakened and political parties that once represented working-class interests have shifted their focus to other issues, the working class has been left without a voice. This has led to the rise of populist movements on both the left and the right, as disaffected voters seek alternatives to the established political order.

Example 2: Lind points to the Brexit referendum as a key example of this dynamic. The vote to leave the European Union was driven in large part by working-class voters who felt that their interests were being ignored by the political elite. Brexit, in Lind’s view, was a rejection of the managerial class and its policies.

Memorable Quote 2: “The working class has been cast aside in the global economy, its concerns dismissed as parochial and its culture derided as backward.” This quote highlights the alienation and resentment felt by many in the working class, which has fueled populist movements around the world.

Lind also delves into the cultural aspects of the class war, arguing that the managerial elite not only controls economic and political institutions but also dominates the cultural sphere. This dominance is reflected in the media, education, and entertainment, where the values and norms of the managerial class are promoted as universal, while the culture and values of the working class are often marginalized or stigmatized.

The cultural divide is further exacerbated by the rise of identity politics, which Lind argues has been used by the managerial elite to divide and conquer the working class. By focusing on issues of race, gender, and sexuality, the managerial class has shifted the political debate away from economic and class issues, which could unite the working class against their common adversary.

Example 3: Lind discusses the controversy over political correctness as an example of this cultural conflict. He argues that political correctness is a tool used by the managerial elite to enforce its cultural dominance, silencing dissenting voices and marginalizing those who do not conform to the prevailing orthodoxy.

Memorable Quote 3: “In the new class war, culture is the battlefield, and the managerial elite has all the high ground.” This quote encapsulates Lind’s argument that cultural dominance is a key aspect of the power of the managerial elite, and that the working class is losing this battle.

In the final sections of the book, Lind offers potential solutions for bridging the divide between the managerial elite and the working class. He argues for a return to a more balanced system of governance, where power is decentralized and more responsive to the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens. This includes reforms to political institutions, such as strengthening local government and increasing direct democracy, as well as economic policies that support the working class, such as reindustrialization and labor protections.

Lind also calls for a new cultural consensus that respects the values and traditions of the working class, rather than dismissing them as outdated or inferior. He argues that a healthy democracy requires a balance between the interests of different classes, and that the current imbalance is unsustainable.

“The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite” by Michael Lind is a timely and important book that offers a new perspective on the challenges facing modern democracies. As populist movements continue to gain momentum and the divide between the elite and the working class widens, Lind’s analysis provides valuable insights into the root causes of these tensions and potential pathways for resolving them.

Lind’s book has been well-received by critics for its incisive analysis and timely relevance. It has sparked important discussions about the future of democracy and the need for reforms to address the growing power of the managerial elite. In a world where democracy is under threat from both external and internal forces, “The New Class War” serves as a crucial wake-up call for those who value the principles of democratic governance.

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