Oligarchs

Oligarchs refers to individuals who are part of a small group holding significant power and influence, particularly in government, business, or society. The term is often associated with wealthy elites who use their financial resources to exert control over political decisions and economic systems. Oligarchs typically operate within oligarchic systems of governance, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and where democratic processes are limited or undermined. The concept is commonly discussed in the context of post-Soviet states, where former state assets were privatized, leading to the emergence of wealthy individuals or families who gained substantial control over key sectors of the economy. The influence of oligarchs can result in significant social and economic inequalities, as they prioritize their interests over the welfare of the broader population.