Oligarchy’s Ancient Origins

Context

Published on 1 July 2026, this reflection on the ancient friction between the few and the many offers a thoughtful look at modern institutional design. The piece traces how Greek oligarchs relied on clever political structures to sustain unpopular regimes, drawing a direct line to current American mechanisms like the Senate filibuster. It moves past the usual political noise to examine a structural concern: how specific rules can turn a republic into a system where a small minority holds a permanent veto over the majority.

Show notes