The article from the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series examines the enduring presence of oligarchic structures in South Asia, highlighting how wealth and influence have consolidated among a select few over the last century. The roots of this oligarchic reality can be traced back to colonial legacies characterized by trade monopolies and class hierarchies. Following independence, new governments depended on local elites for development, allowing existing power structures to shift rather than dissolve.
The liberalization era of the 1980s and 1990s created new economic opportunities, but favored established elites, leading to a perception of meritocracy that obscured underlying inequalities. Additionally, influence in South Asia extends beyond economics into media, education, and philanthropy, forming a “soft web” of power that shapes public discourse.
Regional variations exist, with oligarchic expression influenced by local dynamics like caste and access to urban markets, but the overarching theme remains: a small group controls substantial resources. As new generations enter leadership and technological advancements emerge, the future of these structures is uncertain. However, historical momentum suggests that oligarchies may adapt rather than diminish, with powerful influences often cloaking themselves in subtlety. The series emphasizes that while change is possible, entrenched systems are resilient, often evolving to become less visible yet still impactful.
