Oligarchy

An oligarchy is a type of government where power is held by just a few people. The word comes from Ancient Greek, meaning "rule by few." In an oligarchy, leaders are often nobles or very rich.

This kind of government is different from a democracy, where everyone has a say. In an oligarchy, decisions are made by those in charge, and others have little influence. Sometimes, these leaders are called oligarchs.

Oligarchies have existed in many places throughout history. They can happen when a small group of families, wealthy people, or powerful nobles take control of a country or city. Understanding oligarchy helps us see how different societies have been governed.

Types

Minority rule

Main article: Minoritarianism

When a small group, like a religion or ethnic group, holds most of the power, this can be a type of oligarchy. This sometimes happened after countries were ruled by others. A thinker named Robert Michels said that even in democracies, big groups often end up with just a few leaders over time.

Some experts say that in some countries, very rich people have a lot of influence on the government. They use their money to support certain laws or leaders. They can also shape what people think and change rules to help themselves.

Business oligarchies

Main article: Business oligarch

Sometimes, big business groups can act like oligarchies. This happens when they own a lot of private property, have the power to change laws, and control many different businesses.

Intellectual oligarchies

Main article: Major Barbara

A writer named George Bernard Shaw talked about the idea of intellectual oligarchy. He believed that very smart and educated people sometimes have too much control and wanted regular people to have more power.

History

Aristotle first used the word "oligarchy" to mean rule by the rich, different from aristocracy. He thought oligarchy was not as good as aristocracy.

In Ancient Greece, the word oligarchia described the powerful elite in the city-state of Athens. But in the mid-6th century BC, a leader named Pisistratus changed this. He and his family took power.

Later, in 510 BC, Cleisthenes helped Athens become a democracy. He gave more power to ordinary people.

After that, many Greek city-states were ruled by wealthy elites. Sometimes, ordinary people would stand up for their rights. In 493 BC, Themistocles became a leader. He helped Athens grow stronger, especially its navy. This gave more influence to ordinary citizens. Over time, leaders like Pericles helped shape Athenian democracy.

Later, a group called the Thirty Tyrants ruled Athens for a short time.

By country

Jeffrey A. Winters and Benjamin I. Page have said that in countries like Colombia, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore and the United States, a small group of people hold most of the power.

The Philippines

Main article: Monopolies in the Philippines (1965–1986)

During the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 to 1986, big businesses grew in the Philippines. These businesses were often linked to the Marcos family and their friends. Experts say this was a time when a few people controlled much of the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte, elected in 2016, promised to stop this control by a few rich people. But big business groups kept their power. While Duterte spoke out against some wealthy families, others who supported him also did well.

Russia

Main article: Russian oligarchs

After the Soviet Union broke up in 1991, many things that were owned by the government were sold to private people. This created a group of very rich business people who took control of big parts of the economy, like energy and metals. These rich people often had close ties with government leaders, especially the president. Some people say this means a few rich people control the government.

India

In 2023, Robert Lighthizer wrote that a small number of very rich people helped shape India's trade rules. He called them powerful controllers of the country.

The Adani Group, owned by India's richest man Gautam Adani, did very well after Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014. Adani won bids to run six airports even though he had no experience before. His wealth grew a lot between 2020 and 2023. But in 2024, there were questions about his business practices.

Iran

Main articles: Khomeinism and Velayat-e-faqih

The Islamic Republic of Iran, started after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, is sometimes called a government where a small group of religious leaders hold most of the power. This group, led by the Supreme Leader, makes many important decisions about laws, the military, and the economy. Critics say this means power is held by a few religious leaders, leaving out many others.

Ukraine

Main article: Ukrainian oligarchs

Since Ukraine became independent in 1991, a group of very rich business people have had a big say in the country's politics and money. These rich people took control of many things that used to belong to the government. In 2021, Ukraine made a law to try to limit the power these rich people have over politics and the economy.

United States

Further information: Income inequality in the United States § Democracy and society, and Politics of the United States § Oligarchy

Some experts have said that the United States shows signs of being controlled by a small group of very rich people and businesses, especially since the 2008 financial crisis. They say these rich people and businesses have a lot of power over money and political choices. Former President Jimmy Carter said in 2015 that the United States felt like a place where a few rich people control everything, especially after a court decision in 2010 that allowed more money in politics.

A study in 2014 by Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page looked at what happened between 1981 and 2002. They found that rich people and big businesses often got what they wanted in government decisions, even though the country has elections and freedom of speech. But some other experts said that normal people still have some say.

In his last speech as president in January 2025, Joe Biden warned that a few powerful people were starting to control too much in America, threatening democracy and freedom. During Donald Trump's second presidency, Elon Musk, who helped Trump a lot, was described as having huge influence because of his money and role in government. Bernie Sanders, who ran for president twice, started a tour called "Fighting Oligarchy" after Trump won the election.