Things that went whizzing by that I want to remember... I have recently uncovered a substantial hole in my visualization of the Cosmic All: I understand feudal politics. I understand Republican politics. But suppose you have politics as the internal workings of a[n]... elite... through... selection, promotion, and purging and derogéance... behind a Rousseauist mask of enthusiastic obedience and submission to the general will? I really do not understand how such systems work.... It seems to be largely a scorpions-in-the-bottle game
You might also consider, aside from Syme, David Schoenbaum, The Nazi Social Revolution 1933-1939 (1967), but I’ll bet you already know that one. Gleichshaltung and “working toward the Fuehrer” seem like relevant concepts.
Not to mention any kind of hierarchical bureaucracy, public or private. There are always people whose power far outstrips their position, and they're not always visible to their nominal superiors, especially those more than one level up.
You might also consider, aside from Syme, David Schoenbaum, The Nazi Social Revolution 1933-1939 (1967), but I’ll bet you already know that one. Gleichshaltung and “working toward the Fuehrer” seem like relevant concepts.
I think they model you're looking for to understand what the GOP, Maoists, etc. are doing is found in academic governance, dept, school, university.
Not to mention any kind of hierarchical bureaucracy, public or private. There are always people whose power far outstrips their position, and they're not always visible to their nominal superiors, especially those more than one level up.