History of Oligarchy in Timeline

Oligarchy is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a small, select group of individuals. This group's distinction may stem from various factors such as nobility, wealth, education, or control over key sectors including corporate, religious, political, or military domains. Unlike democracies or monarchies, oligarchy lacks broad popular representation, leading to potential imbalances in policy and governance. Throughout history, oligarchies have manifested in diverse forms, influencing societies and shaping political landscapes. Understanding the nature and dynamics of oligarchy is crucial for analyzing power structures and their impact on social, economic, and political systems.

1907: George Bernard Shaw Coined the Concept of Intellectual Oligarchy

In 1907, George Bernard Shaw introduced the concept of an intellectual oligarchy in his play Major Barbara, criticizing the control of society by intellectual elites and advocating for the empowerment of the common people.

Major Barbara (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

Check it on Amazon

1965: Start of Marcos' Presidency and the Rise of Monopolies

In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos began his presidency in the Philippines, during which monopolies linked to his family and close associates began to emerge, marking the start of what analysts have described as an era of oligarchy.

1979: Establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran

In 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran was established after the Iranian Revolution, which is sometimes described as a clerical oligarchy. The ruling system, Velayat-e-Faqih, places power in a small group of Shia clerics.

1981: Start of Policy Outcome Analysis by Gilens and Page

In 1981, the period of policy outcomes began that were eventually analyzed by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page.

1986: End of Marcos' Presidency

In 1986, the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines ended, concluding a period characterized by the rise of monopolies linked to the Marcos family and their associates, a period often described as an era of oligarchy.

1991: Ukraine's Independence and Rise of Ukrainian Oligarchs

In 1991, following Ukraine's independence, a powerful class of business elites, known as Ukrainian oligarchs, emerged and played a significant role in the country's politics and economy, gaining control of state assets during rapid privatization.

1991: Dissolution of Soviet Union and Rise of Russian Oligarchs

In 1991, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and subsequent privatization, a class of Russian business oligarchs emerged, gaining control of significant portions of the economy, particularly in the energy, metals, and natural resources sectors.

1996: Oligarchs Support Boris Yeltsin's Re-election Campaign

In 1996, fearing a Communist Party victory, Russian oligarchs, including the Seven Bankers, funded and supported Boris Yeltsin's re-election campaign, influencing his government in the subsequent years.

1999: Vladimir Putin Comes to Power and Cracks Down on Oligarchs

In 1999, Vladimir Putin succeeded Boris Yeltsin and began cracking down on many oligarchs in Russia, arresting some for tax evasion and forcing others into exile. Later, he fostered a new class of oligarchs consisting of his personal friends and colleagues.

2002: End of Policy Outcome Analysis by Gilens and Page

In 2002, the period of policy outcomes ended that were eventually analyzed by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page.

2008: Rise of an American Financial Oligarchy after the 2008 Financial Crisis

Following the 2008 financial crisis, economist Simon Johnson argued that an American financial oligarchy became particularly prominent, wielding significant power over the economy and political decisions.

2010: Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court Decision

The 2010 Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision removed limits on donations to political campaigns.

2014: Gilens and Page Study on Political Influence in the US

In 2014, a study by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page argued that the United States' political system disproportionately reflects the preferences of wealthy individuals and business groups rather than average citizens, based on their analysis of policy outcomes between 1981 and 2002.

2015: Jimmy Carter Characterizes the US as an Oligarchy

In 2015, former President Jimmy Carter characterized the United States as an "oligarchy with unlimited political bribery" following the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision.

2016: Duterte Elected and Promises to Dismantle Oligarchy

In 2016, Rodrigo Duterte was elected president of the Philippines and pledged to dismantle the oligarchy. Despite his criticisms of prominent tycoons, corporate oligarchy persisted throughout his administration, and figures allied with Duterte benefitted.

2021: Ukraine Passes Law to Curb Oligarchic Influence

In 2021, Ukraine passed a law aimed at curbing the influence of oligarchs on politics and the economy, in an attempt to address the power held by business elites since the country's independence.

April 2024: Implementation of the "Noor plan" in Iran

In April 2024, the Iranian government implemented the "Noor plan", leading to increased policing and criminal prosecution against women defying mandatory hijab laws, as part of intensified surveillance efforts to suppress dissent.

2024: Musk's Influence in the 2024 Election

In 2024, Elon Musk contributed over $200 million into the election, creating a "super" PAC to promote Donald Trump's campaign, and has been described as an oligarch due to his extensive influence on Trump's second presidency.

January 15, 2025: Biden Warns of Oligarchy in Farewell Address

On January 15, 2025, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden warned in his farewell address that an oligarchy was taking shape in America, threatening democracy, basic rights, and freedom, aided by a tech–industrial complex.