Consider This from NPR: Is There an American Oligarchy?
Release Date: January 22, 2025
In this compelling episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Ailsa Chang delves into the burgeoning discussion surrounding the concept of an American oligarchy. Through insightful conversations with political experts and analysis of current events, the episode examines whether the concentration of wealth and power among a select few is undermining American democracy.
Defining Oligarchy in the Modern Context
The episode opens with former Trump advisor Steve Bannon’s assertion that prominent figures like Elon Musk represent the emergence of oligarchs in the United States. Bannon describes these individuals as having "concentration of wealth and power" (00:17) and introduces the term "techno feudalism" to characterize their influence over governance (00:28).
To provide a foundational understanding, Ailsa Chang speaks with Jeffrey Winters, a professor of political science at Northwestern University. Winters elucidates the term "oligarchy," tracing its origins back to ancient philosophers Plato and Aristotle. He emphasizes that an oligarchy is characterized by "persons who are super powerful because they are super wealthy," and highlights that the key aspect is the use of wealth for political influence (04:45).
Comparing Modern Oligarchs to Historical Figures
The discussion draws parallels between today’s tech billionaires and the 19th and early 20th-century "robber barons" like John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan. Jeffrey Winters acknowledges the similarity, noting that the visibility and public awareness of oligarchic power today mirror the historical context. He points out that while oligarchs have always existed, their influence has become "incredibly visible" in recent times, partly due to pivotal legal decisions such as the 2010 Citizens United ruling (06:58).
Influence of Billionaires on Politics and Governance
Steve Bannon provides concrete examples of Elon Musk's dominance in critical sectors, stating that "60% of the country's electric vehicle chargers are controlled by Tesla" and that "SpaceX operates the only US-made rockets that can send astronauts to the International Space Station" (01:21). Bannon argues that Musk's companies have secured "hundreds of millions of dollars in federal contracts," making it challenging for the federal government to "disentangle itself from the Musk empire" (01:21).
Jeffrey Winters expands on the implications of such concentrated power, explaining that the United States has become "a vastly more unequal society today than it was 50 years ago," with oligarchs contributing significantly to this disparity by shifting immense wealth upward without benefiting the broader population (09:12).
The Impact of the Citizens United Decision
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC. Jeffrey Winters notes that this ruling effectively legitimized the use of wealth as a form of free speech, removing limitations on political spending by corporations and the wealthy. This legal shift has "opened the floodgate" for oligarchs to wield their financial power in unprecedented ways, amplifying their political influence (07:59).
Visibility and Potential Backlash
The episode highlights the high visibility of modern oligarchs, exemplified by their prominent presence at President Trump's inauguration. Jeffrey Winters warns that such visibility can lead to public backlash, drawing parallels to the "Gilded Age" when visible oligarchs eventually faced significant opposition. He suggests that the strategies of historical oligarchs to maintain low profiles may eventually be challenged by growing public sentiment against concentrated wealth and power (10:49).
Risks of Close Alignment Between the Presidency and Billionaires
Jeffrey Winters discusses the inherent risks when a president is closely aligned with the billionaire class. He stresses that while leveraging the expertise of successful individuals is beneficial, it becomes problematic when these individuals maintain their business interests while influencing public policy. This dual role can lead to policies that prioritize wealth defense and the preservation of oligarchic power over the broader public good (09:27).
Conclusion: Is This a Historical Recurrence or a New Phenomenon?
The episode concludes with Jeffrey Winters asserting that the current situation is not entirely unprecedented but is unique in its visibility and the extent of public concern. He emphasizes that while oligarchic power has historical roots, the contemporary American oligarchy's overt influence and the resultant societal inequality present new challenges that resonate deeply with today's populace (10:31).
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Bannon (00:17): "They're clearly oligarchs."
- Jeffrey Winters (04:45): "Persons who are super powerful because they are super wealthy."
- Jeffrey Winters (07:59): "The floodgate was open for the use of this very unequal power."
- Jeffrey Winters (09:27): "One of the ways that's been done... you had to sort of leave that position and come and serve and not still maintain your businesses."
Key Takeaways:
- Oligarchy Defined: The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals who wield significant political influence.
- Historical Parallels: Modern billionaires resemble historical oligarchs or robber barons in their impact on society and governance.
- Legal Frameworks: Decisions like Citizens United have facilitated the rise of oligarchic power by legitimizing vast political spending.
- Visibility and Backlash: The increased public visibility of oligarchs may lead to societal pushback similar to past eras.
- Democratic Threats: The alignment of the presidency with billionaire interests poses risks to democratic principles and equitable governance.
This episode of "Consider This" offers a thorough examination of the concept of an American oligarchy, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of its implications for democracy and societal equality.