More aptly, we may now describe these results as an instance of what Pareto called "the circulation of elites."

"The Circulation of Elites," pp.

Writing from a Marxist vantage point, Borkenau contended that the "circulation of elites" theory explained both Communism and fascism.

The Circulation of elite is a theory of regime change described by Italian social scientist Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923).

He also adhered to the concept of the circulation of elites, which is a dialectical theory of constant competition between elites, with one elite group replacing another repeatedly over time.

The circulation of elites that results from the seniority and early retirement principles ensures that everyone within the upper ranks of the hierarchy has a turn at occupying a high-status position, such as a cabinet post in the national government.

When governing or nongoverning elites attempt to close themselves to the influx of newer and more capable elements from the underlying population, when the circulation of elites is impeded, social equilibrium is upset and the social order will decay.

Though rather hostile towards Pareto, Borkenau was much impressed by his theory of the "circulation of elites", under which the ablest individuals rose up to become members of the elite, thereby ensuring that the elites would always be re-energized and refreshed.

But the emergence of new interests, capacities and forces within the majority provides dynamism in the political system and stimulates the circulation of elites from the majority to the ruling class, and vice versa, whether as individuals, as groups or as entire elites.

Pareto's economic theory began with free competition, and his theory of society similarly seems to argue that in ideal conditions of free competition between elites the individuals in the elite groups will be slowly but continually replaced by the free circulation of elites.

The failure properly to deal with troublesome residues among the masses, such as by allowing circulation of elites or by meting out violence where appropriate, may lead to the growth of 'Paretian tension' in the masses, civil unrest, revolution and ultimately the entire replacement of the decadent elite by a new governing elite.