Monopoly and Competition: The Paradox of Capitalism

The persistence of monopolistic tendencies in capitalism reflects a deeper paradox where competition and monopoly coexist. Even if major players like Google and Apple face structural changes, consumer behavior and language still align with existing monopolies. Historical analyses by theorists such as Marx and Engels have documented this transition from competitive to monopolistic phases within capitalism, particularly during a crucial period between the late 19th century. Lenin further explored how this monopoly trend correlates with the imperialist stage of capitalism, suggesting that competition and monopoly, rather than being mutually exclusive, are intertwined aspects of the economic landscape.