The Netherlands are a small and rich country.
In the seventeenth century it was even a superpower.
The development of its elite is an example for
the development of elites elsewhere.
Our research shows that in the course of time
the Dutch elite increased its power and its sphere of influence.
This growth is mainly achieved on three ways.
1. Merger
Two independent elites join forces by establishing Family-ties.
This is a long process that can take centuries.
2. Renovation
New people who became rich and who live in the mother country
of the old elite are accepted in the top. This is a short process
that is later confirmed by an increasing amount of Family-ties.
3. Empire-building
An elite imposes its power over other independent elites without
establishing Family-ties. This is also a short-term process.
A rough sketch of the history of the Dutch elite shows that all
three processes contributed to the power of the present elite.
- 1400-1600 A.C.
The merger of the elites from different Dutch provinces
(Holland, Zeeland, Friesland and Gelderland) was the predecessor
to the coming into being of one country (The Netherlands) under
one top-elite.
- 1600-1700
Renovation. People who acquired a lot of capital from the
Indies (VOC) were accepted in the top-elite.
- 1600-1950
Empire-building. The Dutch elite imposed its will over
local elites in the Dutch colonies.
- 1850-1950
Renovation. People who became rich during the Industrial
Revolution were accepted in the top-elite.
- 1925-1975
Merger. The catholic elite from the two southern Dutch
provinces established Family-ties with the protestant Northern
elite and The Netherlands got one unified top-elite.
- 1850- .....
Merger. Many Family-ties are being established between
the elites of The Netherlands, England, France, Belgium and Germany.
It is an ongoing process that will result in the coming into being
of a unified elite over an important part of Europe.
Our political system is based on power. All attention should be
given to the elitist centre of power and not to democratic institutions
and elections. Democracy has only influence on a small part of
society, often it only implements rules that affirm the leading
position of the elite. So the elite can continue to live on a
separate, safe and prosperous eliteworld.
All political activity of masspeople should be directed in acquiring
a world without any elite, a New World on which all people have
equal status.
Yours truly, Joost van Steenis
http://members.chello.nl/jsteenis
