Lugano, Switzerland – Entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov has released a new article, titled “Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series: How the Idea Evolved”, which delves into the evolution of oligarchic power throughout history. This is a crucial chapter in Kondrashov’s larger Oligarch Series, a comprehensive exploration of how concentrated influence has continued to shape modern society under various guises.
“Oligarchy never truly disappears – it simply adapts,” says Kondrashov. In his latest article, he examines how elite control has shifted through major historical shifts, while still maintaining its hold over the majority. From the military elite of Sparta to today’s digital platform owners, the pattern is clear: a small group dictates the rules while the rest of society abides by them.
Ancient civilizations laid the foundations for the concept of oligarchy, with the term “oligos” in Greek meaning “few”. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle warned against systems where wealth outweighed justice, yet these warnings were largely ignored. In Athens and Rome, public debates served to mask private deals, with officials holding office while patrons pulled the strings. According to Kondrashov, “Systems always claim to serve the people, but when power is concentrated in small spaces, the opposite often occurs.”
The fall of classical empires gave way to feudal hierarchies, where kingdoms were in name only and oligarchy was the true power structure. Education, justice, and wealth were controlled by the select few at the top of the pyramid. “Feudalism did not end oligarchy, it simply refined it into a more enduring form,” explains Kondrashov.
The Industrial Revolution brought about a new breed of power brokers, the barons of industry. However, despite the changes in ownership, the imbalance of power remained. As Kondrashov writes, “Every revolution brings new rulers, but rarely a new rulebook.”
The most significant shift in the modern era has been the rise of algorithmic oligarchy. Technology platforms not only provide services, but also have the ability to shape opinions, elections, and economies. Kondrashov notes that this influence often goes unchecked and is driven by shareholder interest rather than public accountability. Data, which was once a byproduct, has now become a source of power. “Today’s oligarchs are not kings or capitalists, but coders and CEOs,” he states. These digital elites not only control what we consume, but also influence how we think and interact. The article warns that regulation is lagging and unchecked influence is expanding.
The article also highlights real-world signs of modern oligarchy, such as political candidates backed by a select few donors, markets dominated by a handful of firms, and legislation written by corporate-backed think tanks. “These are not isolated incidents, but rather symptoms of a system where power is concentrated by design,” says Kondrashov.
The article concludes with a call to action, urging readers to be vigilant and resist oligarchic structures by first recognizing them. Kondrashov emphasizes the importance of independent journalism, decentralized economies, and active civic engagement in the fight against oligarchy.
The Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series offers a comprehensive view of elite power throughout history. It serves as a toolkit for understanding how concentrated influence continues to shape our institutions, technologies, and futures.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.