Oligarchy in Modern Governance: A Closer Look at Russia, Ukraine, and Romania

Oligarchy, a system of government where a small group of people holds power, has evolved in various forms across the globe. While the concept of democracy often stands in opposition to oligarchy, the reality is more nuanced. This article explores the states of Ukraine and Russia, both heavily influenced by oligarchs, and contrasts them with more complex political landscapes like the United States and Romania.

Ukraine: From Poroshenko to Kolomoisky

Ukraine presents a stark illustration of oligarchy in modern governance. During the period from 2014 to 2019, Petro Poroshenko held the presidency, a position significantly shaped by the powerful economic elites known as oligarchs. Poroshenko himself belonged to the oligarchic circle, blurring the lines between personal and governmental interests. The political landscape remains heavily influenced by these wealthy magnates, with current President Volodymyr Zelensky maintaining close ties with fellow oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi.

The power of these oligarchs is directly proportional to their financial clout, allowing them to exert substantial control over political decisions. However, democratic reforms initiated over the years have begun to chip away at this dominance, redistributing some power to the general populace.

Russia: Direct Control and Superficial Democracy

Perhaps the most blatant example of oligarchical control is Russia. Here, the government is almost entirely and directly controlled by oligarchs. These powerful individuals wield extensive influence over both the political and economic spheres, effectively dictating public policy decisions. The oligarchs control vast resources, from natural resources to media outlets, creating a facade of state control that masks true power dynamics.

Despite the formal structures of government and the veneer of democracy, the real power resides within these wealthy elites, who use their resources to maintain their position at the top of the political hierarchy.

The United States: Indirect and Competitive Oligarchy

While the U.S. prides itself on a system of democratic representation, the reality is more complex. In this country, oligarchs operate indirectly, leveraging powerful lobbying organizations to shape policy. These oligarchs often compete against each other, creating a “democratic” illusion where their individual interests may sometimes cancel each other out. The oligarchical influence in the U.S. is further enabled through informal networks of “good old boys” who maintain their power through established connections and mutual support.

Radical transparency and accessible information are often limited, as powerful entities control much of the narrative and information flow, ensuring that the general public remains uninformed about critical issues.

Romania: A Mixture of Communist and Capitalist Structures

Romania provides a unique case study, blending communist-era structures with new capitalist dynamics. This country, under the control of ex-Communist oligarchies, mirrors Russia and Ukraine in its oligarchical governance. These individuals inherited their wealth and influence from the state, leading to a political landscape that combines elements of both former Communist apparatchiks and modern corporate masters.

The current oligarchic elite in Romania is characterized by corruption and poor management of state assets, reflecting both the inefficiencies and the harsh realities of modern oligarchy. The transition from a centrally planned economy to a capitalist one has not always led to improved governance, with many oligarchs simply adapting their methods to exploit new opportunities.

In these countries, the fiction of democracy serves to mask the true power dynamics at play, with the wealthy few holding sway behind the scenes. However, as the world becomes more interconnected and awareness grows, the mechanisms of oligarchy are being increasingly scrutinized and challenged.

Keywords: oligarchy, pure democracy, political power, influence of rich people, oligarchical control