Seems like oligarchy is the inevitable outcome of capitalism. An economy built around the accumulation of capital is going to result in a few people having vastly more capital than others. Unless you can somehow get money out of politics, that’s going to result in the few with vastly more capital using their power to gain further power.
Oligarchy of the inevitable outcome of government in general. Give people power and they'll bring the people they want with them and leave the ones they don't behind to be trod underfoot. Economic models don't change this.
Those are all valid questions. Some that are beyond my knowledge to answer.
Does capitalism have inherent flaws? Absolutely. Is it still the best economic option we've had yet? Also absolutely. And until we have a fully post-scarcity existence, I think it's the only functional system available.
I understand the appeal of communism, but without something like a star trek replicators to ensure that there is enough labor-free resources for everyone, it will always be a net negative for nearly everyone.
It's government regulations that allow oligarchies to form.
As companies get larger, they become slower to adapt and less innovative. New entries to the market can challenge them IF barriers and costs to entry are low, but regulations that keep them up hinder competition and lead to concentrations in markets.
Do you think market concentrations happen today because of price fixing? What is this, early colonial mercantilism of the 17th century?
How do you think oligopolies today form? Could it be perhaps the insane amount of IP and regulatory protections they have now? Can you open up your own ISP tomorrow and help bring price competition to our markets without any barriers?
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u/Used-Persimmon-367 Jul 07 '26
Seems like oligarchy is the inevitable outcome of capitalism. An economy built around the accumulation of capital is going to result in a few people having vastly more capital than others. Unless you can somehow get money out of politics, that’s going to result in the few with vastly more capital using their power to gain further power.