In defence: elite power

Abstract

This paper examines elite power and argues that for a better theoretical understanding of elite power we have to take into consideration that elites often do not initiate power struggles but apply their power ‘defensively’. The ability of Franco‐Mauritians, the white elite of the island Mauritius, to maintain power is the focus of this argument. They established a strong position in colonial times through their involvement in the sugar industry but have since faced numerous challenges to their (ethnic) elite position. Using their power defensively has been effective in facing these challenges and contributed to the relative success of continuing their elite position in post‐colonial Mauritius.

Keywords:

• elite power
• ethnic elite
• post‐colonialism
• defence
• Franco‐Mauritians

Notes

1. More than 20 years after its downfall, Le Cernéen restarted as an online newspaper (www.lecerneen.com). On 23 October 2006, it started publishing again, this time online, and, as in the past, the newspaper defended the interests of the Franco‐Mauritian community – it now provides interesting insights into Franco‐Mauritian perceptions of government policies and political opponents. The internet has been important here because of how it created the opportunity to defend Franco‐Mauritian interests along with other interests – both almost always in the context of opposing the Hindu domination of politics – openly and without financial aid from the Franco‐Mauritian private sector. From what can be gathered, Franco‐Mauritian businessmen actually seem to avoid providing any open input, although they may privately have approved of Le Cernéen’s reopening.

2. Translation: The concentration of wealth delays the distortions of the free play of the market and does not allow the economic system to function in an optimal way.

3. Translation: This policy is not racially and ethnically based, nor based on an arbitrary ideology or revenge for past history.

4. The current prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, is the son of Mauritius’ first prime minister, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.

5. In 2006, the government also decided to change the conditions for the lease of the campement (i.e. seaside bungalow) sites. The campement and seaside life are a very significant aspect of Franco‐Mauritian elite culture, and Franco‐Mauritians, consequently, considered the new policy to jeopardise their life style. Franco‐Mauritians argued that the increase in the lease price was exorbitant that the government proposal was targeting them as whites.