First published in 1997, Shadia Drury's book is an examination of the
influence of Leo Strauss (1899-1973) on American politics and in particular on
the "neo-conservative" group who (since the book was published) have become
the "new rulers of the world".
She outlines Strauss's belief in the rule of an elite who would make use of
"noble lies" to maintain their position and power. An atheist himself,
Strauss believed in the necessity of religion and nationalism as instruments
of social control.
The relevance to recent events is clear: in articles and interviews since,
Drury makes explicit her view that the willingness of the present US
administration to engage in such clear and blatant deceit in the pursuit of
its ends is related to the strong influence of Straussian ideas on some of its
leading members.
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