What Is an Oligarchy?
1. Russia
Russia has been an oligarchy since around the 1400s, with those in control having a tight grip over the rest of the country. The country’s leader, including the current President, Vladimir Putin, are propped up by some extremely wealthy and powerful backers that get to pull the strings and influence policies in their favor. The Russian oligarchy has a very tight grip over the wealth of its citizens. In order to become wealthy themselves, citizens will have to toe the line with the country’s leading factions. Some of Russia’s wealthiest citizens make investments abroad to protect their wealth from sanctions and similar that might be imposed by the oligarchs.
