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This raises concerns about the integrity of information and democracy itself . Once the minds of the masses have been conquered by the propaganda of the jackbooted media , the economic oligarchy has a free hand to manipulate political power at will .
Shaping the political climate to suit his desires and creating crises and wars
One of the most striking examples of the influence of economic oligarchy can be traced back to the Republic of Venice in the 15th and 16th centuries . The immense wealth accumulated by Venetian merchant families enabled them not only to control Mediterranean trade , but also to influence political decisions . The domination of the Medici family in Florence also illustrated how a merchant elite could shape local politics , dictating policies according to their economic interests .
The economic interests of some were bound to clash with the economic interests of others . As a result , war became a necessity , not only to win market share , but also to imprint an ideology that would permanently shape the masses , holding them captive to a capitalist system that shamelessly exploited them .
Flashmag ! Issue 158 March 2025
In the Middle Ages , oligarchies fought each other violently , particularly in Florence . The Borgias and Medici often maneuvered in their rivalries to extend their power , leading to civil wars that ravaged the region for decades . These families used their financial resources and political influence to recruit mercenaries , intensifying conflicts for control of the city . Oligarchies also played a decisive role in colonial expansion from the 15th to the 19th century . European powers , dominated by financial elites , financed wars and expeditions to conquer new territories .
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