Consider This from NPR Is there an American oligarchy?
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Jan 22, 2025 
Jeffrey Winters, a political science professor at Northwestern University and author of the upcoming book "Domination Through Democracy, Why Oligarchs Win," dives deep into the rising influence of billionaires in the U.S. He examines how figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos may embody a new American oligarchy. The discussion touches on the implications of wealth concentration on democracy, the historical parallels to robber barons, and the intersection of money and political power, raising questions about governance and the future of equality.
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Defining Oligarchy
- Oligarchs derive power from extreme wealth, using it for political influence.
- This concept, dating back to Plato and Aristotle, links wealth and political power.
Oligarchs' Political Agenda
- Oligarchs use wealth to influence politics, often for personal gain like wealth defense.
- They aim to prevent wealth redistribution, a common goal throughout history.
Modern Oligarchs vs. Robber Barons
- Today's awareness of oligarchic power mirrors that of the robber baron era.
- The 2010 Citizens United ruling amplified this by equating wealth with political voice.