From the Secret to the Public: The Power of Elite Organizations: Symbolic Power and Corporative Diplomacy

Chivalric orders and self-styled orders have been part of silent diplomacy for centuries and show remarkable resilience to change. Chivalric orders are based on historical legitimacy, while self-styled orders are a result of democratic change brought by the American and French Revolution. Their power in society is a research topic of many scientific and quasi-scientific discussions and studies, many of which use the term of secret societies...