Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Oligarchs are wealthy individuals who possess significant political influence due to their economic power. They often use their wealth to shape policies and gain control over key sectors of the economy.
Related terms
Plutocracy: Plutocracy refers to a system where political power is held by the wealthiest individuals or families.
Crony Capitalism: Crony capitalism describes a situation where close relationships between business elites and government officials lead to unfair advantages and corruption.
Wealth Inequality: Wealth inequality refers to the unequal distribution of assets and resources among individuals or groups within a society.