When we talk about elite divisions, we’re looking at how the people who hold significant power and influence in society can be split along different lines—based on their personal interests, beliefs, and access to resources. These divisions often become more obvious in times of crisis, like the “Crisis Turning” that Strauss and Howe talk about, when different factions of the elite clash, trying to push their competing visions for the future.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how elites typically divide:

1. Political Divides

One of the most obvious ways elites split is political. Even though they belong to the same ruling class, their ideas about how society should be run can vary greatly.

• Globalists vs. Nationalists: Globalists push for closer cooperation between countries, favoring institutions like the UN, while nationalists focus more on sovereignty and local control. You often see globalists in fields like tech and finance, while nationalists come from more traditional industries.
• Populists vs. Establishment: The establishment includes elites who have long been in control of political institutions and big corporations, while populist elites present themselves as outsiders, often positioning themselves against the establishment. Think of figures like Donald Trump, who used populist language despite his billionaire status.
• Progressives vs. Conservatives: Progressives call for big changes in areas like inequality and climate change, while conservatives lean toward preserving traditional values and economic systems. Both sides have their champions within the elite class, whether in politics, media, or business.

2. Economic Divides

Elites are also split by their economic interests, which often depend on the industries they represent.

• Traditional Industry vs. Tech Elites: Silicon Valley’s tech leaders have very different priorities than those in traditional sectors like energy or manufacturing. Tech elites often push for innovation and deregulation, while traditional elites focus on tariffs and protecting legacy industries.
• Financial Elites vs. Corporate Elites: Financial elites, like those in investment banking or hedge-funds might push for market liquidity. Corporate leaders in sectors like retail or manufacturing advocate for industry-specific protections.
• New Money vs. Old Money: A quieter divide exists between newly wealthy entrepreneurs and those who inherited wealth. New money elites favor disruptive changes, while old money elites often protect longstanding traditions and institutions.

3. Cultural Divides

Cultural influence is another major point of division among elites, especially with issues of identity, values, and governance.

• Progressive Cultural Elites vs. Traditional Cultural Elites: Progressive elites dominate areas like Hollywood, academia, and mainstream media, advocating for diversity and inclusion. On the flip side, traditional cultural elites have influence in more conservative spaces, like religious institutions and conservative media outlets.
• Tech vs. Traditional Media: There’s a growing cultural divide between tech giants like Google and Facebook, which control much of the digital conversation, and traditional media elites, who still maintain power in legacy outlets like newspapers and broadcast news.
• Academia vs. Business: Academic elites often clash with business leaders. Academics push for reforms and regulations, while business elites prioritize free markets and economic growth.

4. International vs. Domestic Divides

This divide is sharp, especially in a globalized world where international organizations play a large role in shaping policies.

• Globalist Elites vs. Nationalist Elites: Globalists advocate for international cooperation, while nationalist elites prioritize their own country’s interests. This often plays out in debates over trade agreements, global governance, and immigration.
• Corporate Internationalists vs. Protectionists: Big multinational corporations often push for free trade and open markets, while protectionist elites argue for tariffs and policies that protect domestic industries.

5. Philanthropic and Ideological Divides

Philanthropy is another space where elites divide, particularly when it comes to how private foundations influence public policy.

• Philanthropic Elites vs. Political Elites: Philanthropists, like those behind the Gates Foundation, may push for social causes that challenge traditional power structures, while political elites often feel that these interventions undermine democratic processes.
• Soros vs. Koch: On one side, progressive philanthropists like George Soros fund liberal causes, while conservative foundations like the Koch network push for free markets and limited government.

6. Military and Security Divides

Elites within the military and security fields also split on interventionism and national security.

• Interventionists vs. Isolationists: Some elites support a strong global military presence, while others argue for pulling back and focusing on domestic security.
• Civil Liberties vs. Security: The tension between protecting individual freedoms and expanding security powers has been a major debate, especially in the post-9/11 world.

Conclusion: Elite Divisions in Times of Crisis

As we enter what many see as a “Crisis Turning,” these divisions among elites are becoming more pronounced. Whether political, economic, cultural, or ideological, these fractures reflect deeper societal splits and often drive significant change. During these times, elite factions may defect from the status quo, aligning themselves with emerging movements or ideologies that reshape society in unexpected ways, which may pave the road to revolution.