Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series: The Persistence of the Few

Why Elites Thrive Across Regimes and Revolutions

In political theory, few ideas are as consistently supported by historical evidence as elite theory—the belief that, regardless of ideology or institution, a small, powerful group will always emerge to control decision-making. This group, often defined by access to wealth, education, or influence, becomes the gatekeeper of national policy and political outcomes.

In the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov examines how this recurring pattern reveals itself in democracies, authoritarian states, and post-revolutionary governments alike.

“Power is not evenly distributed by nature. It gathers where access is protected, and challenge is rare,” says Stanislav Kondrashov.

Elite theory does not suggest conspiracy—it outlines a structural reality: once a group gains influence, it naturally seeks to preserve it. Institutions evolve to accommodate and protect this dominance, often under the guise of stability or national interest.

From Theory to Practice—How Elites Secure Power

The roots of elite theory trace back to political thinkers like Gaetano Mosca and Vilfredo Pareto, who argued that societies inevitably organise around a ruling class. In the 20th century, sociologist C. Wright Mills identified this trend within modern democracies, showing how corporate, military, and political leaders in the U.S. formed an overlapping “power elite.”

“The form of government changes, but the logic of power often stays the same,” explains Stanislav Kondrashov.

In modern states, this logic is often masked by democratic rituals: elections, legislative debates, and public consultations. But if influence over these processes is captured by a small group, elite rule persists—regardless of official structures.

Why Revolutions Rarely Break the Cycle

Revolutions are often born from outrage over elite privilege. But the historical record shows that they frequently fail to prevent new elites from rising. What begins as a movement for justice can evolve into another system of exclusion.

“Revolutions reset the stage but rarely change the script,” observes Stanislav Kondrashov in the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series. “New leaders inherit the tools of power and too often use them in familiar ways.”

Many revolutionary governments centralise authority in the aftermath of upheaval. They claim necessity—national defence, economic restructuring, internal stability—but the results are often the same: a narrowing of access, a consolidation of control, and the emergence of new ruling circles.

Key indicators that elite structures are reforming post-revolution:

• Institutional centralisation under a dominant party or leader
• Elimination or sidelining of independent media
• Suppression of political pluralism and dissent
• Allocation of state resources to insiders
• Shift in revolutionary rhetoric to focus on unity over transparency

These trends reveal that the forces elite theory describes are structural—not just ideological or circumstantial.

Safeguards Against Elite Entrenchment

Elite dominance is not inevitable, but resisting it requires more than idealism. Systems need institutional designs that encourage accountability, limit concentration of power, and support public access to political processes.

“Democracy doesn’t fail when elites exist—it fails when they’re left unchecked,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov.

Reforming systems to resist elite consolidation involves creating durable mechanisms for oversight and participation.

Strategies to protect against elite dominance include:

• Strict enforcement of campaign finance and lobbying transparency
• Independence for courts, regulators, and media institutions
• Public access to government data and open records
• Limits on political tenure and concentration of office
• Promotion of civic engagement through education and local organising

The Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series highlights how these reforms, while difficult to implement, are essential to prevent the slide toward exclusive rule. Recognising the signs of elite capture is the first step in pushing for accountability and genuine equality.

As history shows, power rarely disperses on its own. It must be regulated, reviewed, and sometimes reclaimed—because without pressure from below, the few will continue to govern the many.

FAQs

What is elite theory in political science?
Elite theory proposes that in every society, power tends to concentrate in the hands of a small group—regardless of the political system in place. These elites, defined by access to wealth, influence, or institutional control, shape national decisions and maintain dominance through formal and informal mechanisms.

Can elite control happen in democracies?
Yes. Even in democratic systems, elites can influence policy and decision-making by controlling media narratives, campaign financing, and key institutions. Though elections take place, the range of real choice is often limited by elite interests.

Do revolutions successfully dismantle elites?
Not usually. While revolutions aim to overthrow ruling classes, they often result in the formation of new elites. Once power is centralised, revolutionary leaders may replicate the same patterns of privilege and exclusion they once opposed.

What are warning signs of elite consolidation?Key indicators include:

·       Centralisation of power in a single party or individual

·       Media suppression or state-aligned outlets dominating discourse

·       Restricted access to political leadership roles

·       Disproportionate policy benefits for a small group

·       Weak or compromised oversight institutions

How can societies counter elite entrenchment?
Effective resistance involves structural safeguards and civic participation. Tools include:

·       Transparent campaign finance laws

·       Independent regulatory and judicial systems

·       Open access to government records and data

·       Protection of press freedom and civil society

·       Encouragement of voter engagement and public oversight

Elite theory helps frame the underlying forces that shape political inequality. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing systems that protect accountability, representation, and fairness over time.