Economic power is becoming increasingly concentrated in the hands of the few, even as democratic movements worldwide allow for political power to be dispersed among the many. With their access to influence, the wealthy can shape and constrain the political power of the rest of the world. As the economic dominance of an elite minority coincides with the forces of globalization, is oligarchy becoming the dominant political regime?

This collection explores the renewed relevance of oligarchy to contemporary global politics. By drawing out lessons from classic texts, contributors illustrate how the character of oligarchical regimes informs contemporary political life. Topics include the relationship between the American government and corporations, the tension between republican and oligarchical regimes, and the potential conflicts that have opened up between economic management and political life. On Oligarchy deftly illuminates the significance of this regime in the context of pressing global economic and political issues.

David Edward Tabachnick is an associate professor in and Chair of the Department of Political Science, Philosophy and Economics at Nipissing University.

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Toivo Koivukoski is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science, Philosophy and Economics at Nipissing University.

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‘Thought-provoking…An exemplary case of bringing ancient wisdom to bear on a pressing modern issue.’

Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews; May 2013

‘This volume edited by Tabachnick and Koivukoski (both, Nippising Univ., Canada) is the third in a series of books that apply the lessons of the great tradition of political philosophy to contemporary politics; in that regard, the series serves as a fine illustration of the continuing relevance of political philosophy to the understanding of contemporary politics. Such a series is both valuable and praiseworthy, as is this particular volume. Contributors discuss Aristotle, Thucydides, the Federalist, and Cicero in an effort to understand the phenomena of oligarchy. Filled with high-quality, provocative essays, this volume is highly recommended for those who have a theoretical interest in political philosophy in general and oligarchy in particular, but it is also (and especially) recommended to thoughtful readers who have a serious concern with the preservation of democracy. Waller Newell's "Oligarchy and Oikonomia," Jeffrey Sikkenga's "Overcoming Oligarchy," Peter Simpson's "A Corruption of Oligarchs," and Toivo Koivukoski's "On Oligarchy: An Ontological Account" are particular standouts, but the entire collection is excellent. This thought-provoking collection of essays is enthusiastically recommended for specialists and general readers alike. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels.’

Choice Review