Superclass: The Global Power Elite and the World They Are Making

Writing a book about the most powerful and influential people on Earth is risky, as such a subject cannot help but be intensely political, given the vast inequalities of wealth and power evident in our world. It is hard to maintain a credible balance, but the author manages to do just that. He shows that the evolution of a class of "elites" is natural for human societies, and perhaps even necessary - without going over into adoration of such people. Likewise, he is at times harshly critical of abuses of such power, including the inevitable corruption, entrance limitations, and lack of democratic legitimacy - without pandering to the numerous conspiracy theories about such people. The reader will finish this book with a remarkably clear-headed insight into not only _how_ the rich and powerful go about their business, but also _why_ they do things the way they do - and such an insight is incredibly valuable when trying to understand the political, economical, and social processes shaping our world. Highly recommended!

I had the pleasure of hosting David Rothkopf at Stanford University a few weeks ago as a speaker in our Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders lecture series. His talk was riveting and the students responded with great enthusiasm. He used the lecture to emphasis the key theme of his book, Superclass, that there is an small, informal network of people around the world who hold an inordinate amount of power when it comes to influencing the political and economic environment around the globe. The book is filled with fascinating stories that are extremely engaging. David Rothkopf is a masterful writer who uses the first person narrative and an unassuming style to bring you close to the rare individuals who he describes in the book. He takes you behind the scenes at Davos, invites you to sit beside corporate leaders on private jets, and lets you peek into the smoke filled rooms where deals really get done. He shows us how the people who pull the strings in our world have found creative ways to align their interests. Superclass is well-researched and filled with endless facts that support all of David Rothkopf's ideas. He draws on interesting examples from throughout history as he builds his thesis that there have always been a select few who have much more influence than the bulk of the population. He argues that these elites are the "leaders, innovators, and risk-takers. They are the ones who excel, possess vital experience, and serve as essential connections among centers of power." It is important to note that most of the elites today are self-made. They have identified and seized opportunities, leveraged limited resources, and created value in many different forms. I read the book with great interest and found it informative, enlightening, and empowering. If you want a preview, feel free to listen to the free podcast of David Rothkopf's talk at Stanford. You can find it here: [...]

In the middle of this presidential election year, there is no more timely read than Superclass. Clinton, McCain and Obama may talk about the powers-that-be, David Rothkopf tells you who they are, how they think and how they work on all strata - financial, military, political etc., often intersecting. The book is not only thoroughly researched, it's a fun read, with real moments of levity and extraordinary insight. I came away knowing a good deal more about how power in our world works. This is a must for any informed citizen.

I've just finished reading "Superclass" and not only did I enjoy it--Rothkopf is a wonderful writer--but it put into clear perspective some of the most important issues we all are facing today. Rothkopf goes beyond the Forbes list, lifestyles of the rich and famous approach that some authors have taken and he carefully avoids the melodrama and inuendo of conspiracy theories to instead give what is the most balanced view of global elites I have ever seen. He recognizes that every society throughout history has had elites...but he also sees that much of history is made when elites over-reach and backlashes against them result. In our era the problems are different because the elites exist not within countries but "above" them in the global world and so it is not as easy as passing a law or even staging a coup. Some how we need new mechanisms to balance global power and yet we are afraid to even consider such things because it is likely to make nations even weaker than they are today. What's cool about the book though is that he frames these issues in very human terms and substantiates everything very carefully (without it feeling in any way overly academic or boring). I thought it was a terrific book, a great read and recommend it enthusiastically.