The Study of Elites (HEC-RS-STELIT-23)

HEC-RS-STELIT-23

Description

This research seminar explores the ways in which elites are defined and studied across different fields of historiography, from the late nineteenth century to the present. We will reflect on the main interpretations and methodological approaches with the aim of familiarizing researchers with the varieties of approaches, methods, and analytical scope of the genre. Discussions will focus on political and economic elites. We will take into consideration a wide range of actors, including not only state elites but also private actors, businesses and trade unions. 

The following programme is set up above all to provide a broad overview of methods, sources and times periods in order to allow a reflection and debate on them, as well as an engagement with ongoing research from EUI fellows and external guests. After a general introduction, each session tackles one type of elite: the private banker (late 19th century), the economist, the diplomat and the sherpa, the business leader, the trade unionist, the central banker, the cold warrior, the head of government and head of international organisation, the EU technocrat.