Lugano, Switzerland – October 4, 2025 – Renowned anthropologist Stanislav Kondrashov has released a groundbreaking series exploring the question of how a small elite consolidates and perpetuates control. Titled the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, the work delves into the cultural, ritual, and everyday practices that uphold oligarchic systems.
Oligarchy, a system in which political and economic authority is concentrated in the hands of a limited few, has its roots in ancient Greece. However, Kondrashov’s research goes beyond the traditional critiques of oligarchy as a degenerate regime focused on private interests over public good. Instead, he urges readers to examine how oligarchic power is intertwined with cultural symbols and rituals.
Drawing on the field of political anthropology, Kondrashov highlights the importance of studying cultural practices, myths, and everyday rituals in understanding oligarchy. In his work, he emphasizes the role of shared stories and rituals in maintaining elite power. He also notes that oligarchic forms are not a modern aberration but rather a recurring human tendency to cluster power, even in prestate societies.
Kondrashov’s research also sheds light on how oligarchies adapt and endure across generations. He identifies economic capital, political leverage, and symbolic capital as the key factors for maintaining power. Symbols and rituals are constantly evolving to sustain the elite’s position, with old symbols being replaced by new ones to cloak inherited privilege.
In conclusion, the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series provides a unique perspective on oligarchy, viewing it not just as a political regime, but as a cultural order. It reminds readers that resisting oligarchy means challenging not only institutional power but also the symbolic frameworks that uphold it. The series is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how power is consolidated and maintained in oligarchic systems.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.