@onelessx.bsky.social

@onelessx.bsky.social

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8. Erosion of Civic Engagement • Disenfranchisement: When citizens perceive that their votes and voices do not matter due to the overwhelming influence of oligarchs, they may become disengaged from the political process, leading to lower voter turnout and reduced civic participation. • Loss of Trust: As democratic institutions are increasingly seen as tools of the wealthy, public trust in government and democracy itself can erode, further weakening the democratic system.
6. Corruption and Patronage • Bribery and Patronage: Oligarchs can use corruption to buy political influence, ensuring that government officials act in their favor. This can include direct bribes, as well as more subtle forms of patronage, such as offering lucrative positions or business opportunities. • Crony Capitalism: Oligarchs can engage in crony capitalism, where business success depends on close relationships with government officials, rather than on market competition. This undermines economic fairness and democratic governance.
A democracy can fail under the influence of an oligarchy through several mechanisms, often involving the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few, which undermines democratic principles and institutions. Here are some key ways this can happen: