Ivan Hoffman discusses political alternatives and the service elite

Ivan Hoffman discusses the concept of political alternatives, noting that when a political system fails to provide one, political parties often emerge to fill the void. He cites the rise of Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an example of a movement gaining strength in national polls and regional elections due to a growing perception that the country's condition is declining.

Hoffman distinguishes between a discrete elite of billionaires and a “service elite” composed of managers, lawyers, media, and politicians. He argues that this service elite manages the interests of the wealthy and maintains the existing regime, often viewing elections merely as general recommendations rather than binding mandates for change.