Final answer:
The sentence is critical of the modern administrative state, implying that it has created an insular class of bureaucrats who act out of self-interest rather than for the public good, indicative of bureaucratic and patrimonial governance issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence appears to describe a situation where, rather than a group of experts, the modern administrative state produced an insular class of bureaucrats or officials who prioritize their own interests over those of the people they govern. This refers to the concept of bureaucracy and the potential issues of self-interest and inefficiency within hierarchical administrative systems. Historically, bureaucracy has been essential for managing large political units and maintaining order amidst growing populations. However, the centralized power within a bureaucracy has also led to cases of patrimonialism, where officials, chosen by a ruler, serve more to maintain power dynamics than to serve the public interest effectively. Therefore, the notion of self-serving bureaucracies displacing the idea of governance for the people’s benefit reflects a critical view of how government agencies can evolve over time.