History of Oligarchy in Timeline

Oligarchy is a system of governance where power is concentrated in the hands of a small, select group of individuals known as oligarchs. Their influence stems from various sources, including wealth, nobility, fame, education, or control over key sectors like corporations, religion, politics, or the military. Oligarchs wield power, sometimes overtly and other times subtly, to maintain their dominance and advance their interests. This form of government contrasts with democracies or monarchies by centralizing authority within a privileged minority.

1907: Shaw Coined Intellectual Oligarchy

In 1907, George Bernard Shaw coined the concept of an intellectual oligarchy in his play Major Barbara, criticizing the control of society by intellectual elites.

1965: Marcos Presidency Start

In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos began his presidency in the Philippines, during which monopolies linked to his family and associates arose, leading to what analysts 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, a system sometimes described as a clerical oligarchy.

1981: Start of Policy Outcome Analysis

In 1981, Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page began analyzing policy outcomes in the US, continuing until 2002, to determine the influence of wealthy individuals and business groups.

1986: End of Marcos Presidency

In 1986, the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos ended, concluding a period during which monopolies linked to his family and associates arose in the Philippines, a time analysts described as an era of oligarchy.

1991: Emergence of Ukrainian Oligarchs

In 1991, after Ukraine's independence, a powerful class of business elites known as Ukrainian oligarchs began to play a significant role in the country's politics and economy.

1991: Dissolution of Soviet Union and Rise of Russian Oligarchs

In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, privatization led to the emergence of Russian business oligarchs who gained control over key sectors and maintained close ties with government officials.

1996: Oligarchs Support Yeltsin's Re-election

In 1996, fearing a Communist Party victory, Russian oligarchs, particularly the Seven Bankers, funded and supported Boris Yeltsin's re-election campaign, exerting influence over his government.

1999: Putin Cracks Down on Oligarchs

In 1999, Vladimir Putin came to power and began cracking down on Russian oligarchs, arresting some for tax evasion and forcing others into exile, although he later created a new class of oligarchs.

2002: End of Policy Outcome Analysis

In 2002, Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page concluded their analysis of policy outcomes in the US, which they began in 1981, to determine the influence of wealthy individuals and business groups.

2008: Rise of American Financial Oligarchy

In 2008, economist Simon Johnson argued that an American financial oligarchy became particularly prominent following the financial crisis.

2010: Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court Decision

In 2010, the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision removed limits on donations to political campaigns, leading to the US being characterized as an oligarchy by Jimmy Carter.

2014: Gilens and Page Study on US Political System

In 2014, political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page argued that the U.S. political system does not primarily reflect the preferences of its average citizens, suggesting wealthy individuals and business groups held substantial influence.

2015: Carter Calls US 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, Promises to Dismantle Oligarchy

In 2016, Rodrigo Duterte was elected President of the Philippines, promising to dismantle the oligarchy, though corporate oligarchy persisted throughout his tenure.

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.

April 2024: Iran Intensifies Surveillance and Enforcement of Hijab Laws

In April 2024, the Iranian government intensified its surveillance efforts to suppress dissent, particularly targeting women and human rights activists, implementing the "Noor plan" to increase policing and prosecution against women defying mandatory hijab laws.

2024: Musk Contributes to Trump's Campaign

In 2024, Elon Musk contributed over $200 million into the election, creating a "super" PAC to promote Donald Trump's campaign and became head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

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.