<P>This book exemplifies the "public sociology" approach to sociological research popularised by Michael Burawoy, showcasing how an approach that focuses on the powerful can bring new insights into how our society works. As a collection of empirically-rich sociological writings on power, influence and decision-making in late capitalism, the book highlights the wide range of path-breaking research in the field and investigates the powerful - with a particular focus on corporate and state elites and their allies in policy think-tanks, lobby groups and PR firms - as part of a corrective to sociology as the study of the powerless.</P>