I believe you two have different definitions of "elite". I am guessing that you define "elite" as the powerful (and therefore rich) and he defines it as the cosmopolitan-intellectual, the anti-nationalist and liberal minded (but not necessarily the top level of power or wealth).

I'm also guessing there's a difference of opinion as to whether nation-hood is a transitory social construct or an intrinsic unalterable eternal reality.

Elites being people with sufficient power to create or destroy nations?