The structures of visible and invisible power

The Structures of Power is the title of Sabino Cassese’s book, published in 2024. In the text, the author analyses the structures of power in contemporary society, their plurality and different forms. When speaking of power structures, the distinction between visible and invisible is necessary and inevitable. The former are in fact the official institutions that act for society in transparency with it. Invisible structures are those that can influence a society without manifesting themselves clearly to it, such as cultural or media influences. Many examples can help to analyse the presence of different forms of power. Visible power is democracy, institutions and the president. However, there are also invisible structures that exercise strong power over society. Industrial conglomerates are an invisible structure that controls various sectors, from the economy to politics and finance, and their power over the economy affects GDP and employment. Another consequence of this invisible power is the pressure of lobbies on politics. Other invisible structures are religious groups that have considerable, though not always visible, influence on politics and society. These groups can play a role in the creation of laws and regulations in society. Is it possible to draw a line between visible and invisible power structures? How has globalization affected the relationship between the two structures and how will it affect the future?

The debate between the author, Sabino Cassese, and the journalist, Alessandra Sardoni, will be held at Spazio Europa on 24 October at 5pm.