oligarchies
Rule by few
Oligarchies is the plural of oligarchy—a system of government in which power rests with a small group of people, typically distinguished by wealth, military strength, or family connections.
The term also refers to the ruling groups themselves: The oligarchies of several former Soviet states consolidated power in the 1990s.
By extension, any organization controlled by a tight inner circle may be called an oligarchy.
Rule by the rich
- kleptocracyState-sponsored looting system
- aristocracyRule by hereditary elite
- autocracyRule by one
- tyrannyOppressive, absolute governance
despotism · authoritarianism · dictatorship · totalitarianism · junta · theocracy · monarchy · feudalism
Abundance of money
- plutocracyRule by the rich
- capitalWealth used for investment
- assetsOwned items of value
- fortunesWealth or destined outcomes
holdings · investments · inheritance · dynasties · trusts · conglomerates · hoarding · inequality
Rule by hereditary elite
- nobilityTitled ruling class
- patriciateHereditary noble class
- ruling classDominant governing stratum
- upper classWealthiest societal stratum
bluebloods · dynasties · magnates · tycoons · billionaires · barons · moguls · kingmakers
Supreme authority held
- hegemonyDominant group's control
- strangleholdOppressive, unbreakable control
- monopolyOne seller, no substitutes
- cartelPrice-fixing coalition
consolidation · centralization · suppression · repression · coercion · manipulation · censorship · surveillance
Advocating to decision-makers
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
- backroom dealsSecret unofficial negotiations
puppeteering · strings · leverage · clout · sway · pressure · interference · meddling
plutocracy
Rule by the rich
- kleptocracyState-sponsored looting system
- aristocracyRule by hereditary elite
- autocracyRule by one
tyranny · despotism · authoritarianism · dictatorship · totalitarianism · junta · theocracy · monarchy · feudalism · regime
affluence
Abundance of money
- plutocracyRule by the rich
- capitalWealth used for investment
- assetsOwned items of value
fortunes · holdings · investments · inheritance · dynasties · trusts · conglomerates · hoarding · inequality · concentration
aristocracy
Rule by hereditary elite
- nobilityTitled ruling class
- patriciateHereditary noble class
- ruling classDominant governing stratum
upper class · bluebloods · dynasties · magnates · tycoons · billionaires · barons · moguls · kingmakers · powerbrokers
domination
Supreme authority held
- hegemonyDominant group's control
- strangleholdOppressive, unbreakable control
- monopolyOne seller, no substitutes
cartel · consolidation · centralization · suppression · repression · coercion · manipulation · censorship · surveillance · intimidation
lobbying
Advocating to decision-makers
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
backroom deals · puppeteering · strings · leverage · clout · sway · pressure · interference · meddling · media control
oligarchiesdemocracies
Governments elected by people
direct democracies · republics · representative democracies · popular sovereignty · mob rule
oligarchiesmeritocracies
Systems rewarding ability
egalitarianism · technocracies · theocracies · monarchies · autocracies
oligarchiesdemocracies
Governments elected by people
direct democracies · republics · autocracies · dictatorships · monarchies