oligarkhia

An oligarchy is a form of power structure in which control rests with a small group of people rather than with the broad population. This group may be defined by wealth, family connections, corporate or military power, or social status. The defining feature is that the majority of citizens has limited influence over public decisions, and real authority resides in a minority.

Etymology and scope. The term comes from the Greek oligarkhía, from oligós meaning few and arkhē meaning rule. Oligarchies can be formal or informal, and they may operate within or alongside legal institutions. They are often contrasted with democracies, where power is widely distributed, and with autocracies, where power is concentrated in a single ruler.

Historical examples. In ancient Greece, Sparta maintained governance by a small, self-selected ruling group and institutions like the gerousia. In medieval and early modern Europe, certain city-states and noble republics functioned as oligarchies where a limited set of elites controlled political life. In various periods of world history, modern states have exhibited oligarchic features when a small class of elites wields disproportionate influence over policy beyond its share of the population.

Causes and mechanisms. Oligarchies arise through wealth concentration, elite networks, institutional design that restricts participation, or coercive power. Influence may be exerted through patronage, control of media, access to decision-makers, and manipulation of legal or electoral processes.

Implications. Oligarchies tend to prioritize the interests of the ruling minority, which can lead to policies that favor elites and restrict civil liberties. They may be stable if elites reconcile interests, but they can also provoke political tension or reform movements when perceived as illegitimate.