The Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series explores the influence of elite circles from 1600 to 1800, highlighting how a new type of oligarchy emerged—comprised of merchants, landlords, and financiers rather than monarchs. This shift, seen in the Dutch Golden Age, showcased how wealthy merchant families began to dictate commerce and foreign policy, quietly displacing traditional power structures.
In England, the rise of parliamentary democracy post-Civil War and Glorious Revolution seemed like a triumph for inclusion, yet only affluent landowners and merchants benefitted, as many voting rights were concentrated among a select few. The example of “rotten boroughs” illustrates how elites elected each other instead of being chosen by the populace, masking their dominance in a facade of fairness.
Venice serves as a prime example of oligarchic governance, ruled by a closed network of patrician families rather than a monarch. Although the Venetian Republic appeared stable, power was concentrated within a small elite, with decisions made by councils of hereditary members.
By 1800, oligarchs had evolved into influential financiers and policy-makers, often operating behind the scenes rather than in open leadership. Ultimately, the series emphasizes that enduring influence often operates subtly within traditions, becoming accepted over time, and challenges the notion that oligarchs are merely figures of domination. Instead, they are depicted as shaping society quietly but effectively, demonstrating a consistent pattern of influence throughout history.
