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America has always been drawn to an unelected elite. Meet the courtier class | Nancy Isenberg
The article argues that America’s unelected power brokers are not a new phenomenon. Historian Nancy Isenberg describes them as a “courtier class”: influential figures who use social skills, persuasion and access to shape decisions made by elected leaders. Their continued presence, she says, shows how American political culture has long accommodated an informal elite alongside its republican ideals.
The essay traces this role from the Revolutionary era, when figures such as Alexander Hamilton admired polished political operators and built influence through relationships with leaders including George Washington. John Adams, by contrast, criticised courtiers as flatterers seeking favour and advancement. Isenberg links these historical networks to modern concerns about wealthy and connected insiders, including the so-called “Epstein class”.
In short
- America’s power brokers have deep historical roots.
- Courtiers used charm and connections to influence leaders.
- The essay draws a line to today’s wealthy insiders.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Informal advisers and political intermediaries can help elected leaders navigate complex decisions by bringing expertise, experience and relationships that formal institutions may not provide. Their influence can be legitimate when leaders remain accountable for their choices and when access is open enough to allow competing perspectives to be heard.
The case against
Unelected insiders can gain influence without the scrutiny or accountability faced by elected officials, allowing personal connections, wealth or flattery to shape public decisions. Persistent reliance on such networks may undermine republican ideals by giving a privileged group disproportionate access and making it harder for ordinary citizens to have their interests represented.
Explained simply
The United States was founded as a republic, where political authority is meant to come from elected representatives rather than a royal court. Yet people without elected office can still influence leaders through personal relationships, advice and access.
Historian Nancy Isenberg uses “courtier class” for these influential insiders. In the early republic, Alexander Hamilton valued skilled political operators and built ties with leaders such as George Washington, while John Adams warned that flatterers might seek personal advancement.
The essay connects those early networks with modern concerns about wealthy and well-connected people who can reach decision-makers. Its reference to the “Epstein class” points to current debate about whether informal influence sits uneasily alongside democratic ideals.