oligarchy order is an Asian political and social term that’s been around for at least a century. It’s usually associated with the Chinese leader Mao Zedong and his ‘three-party’ system, a series of political leaders who form a One-Party State. During the 20th century, in Europe and North America, the dominant political parties grew increasingly powerful. The result was what we now call a ‘late-gospel’ or oligarchy.

What is a ‘oligarchic order’?

In its strictest meaning, the term ‘oligarchic order’ describes the situation where a group of wealthy people run the country as a single, powerful group. The term is usually associated with the late Chinese leader Sun Chung-eun, who led the Kuomintang (KMT) from 1932 until his death in 1977. In this situation, the leadership is inherited through a rigidly controlled election. Family members and close relatives are often granted political roles. The oligarchs have unlimited wealth and control the entire country. They employ a wide range of loyalists and informers who provide cover for their activities. The term has been used in various contexts since the 20th century, but it was first used in reference to the Portuguese Empire in the 16th century.

The oligarchy: The real deal?

The term ‘oligarchic order’ has become associated with the Chinese leadership, but it can be applied also to other regimes in Asia and the Middle East. In China, the term is often used to denote a system in which the majority of decisions are made by a small group of wealthy, highly educated and closely related families. Many of these families have served as important political figures during the revolution and the transition to democracy. One family even held the key post of premier from 1979 to 1980.

The 5-2-1 rule in China

The authority of the family over the country is one of the most important aspects of the oligarchic order. The ‘five-two-one’ system of centralized governance in China dates back hundreds of years and has been used through both military and civilian periods. During the Qin Dynasty (206 BC – AD 50), a general by the name of Qin Shi Huang established a system of centralized control that is still in use today. This system allowed him to strengthen his hold on power and expand his power base.

Why the oligarchic order matters

The oligarchic order is a good illustration of what happens when strong personalities organize a group of people into a single, powerful group. When the group grows in power and influence, it employs a variety of tactics to maintain control. During the 20th century, the term ‘oligarchic order’ was used in reference to the situation in China. The term then came to be associated with the leadership of the POOC (People’s oligarchy Council). This body is arrayed against the ‘five-two-one’ system of centralized governance that is still in use by the government. Sun Zhengcai was jailed for having ties to the terrorist organization Iran’s Islamic Revolution Front (IRING).

How to break the oligarchic order

The clearest path to removing the oligarchic order is to show the public that the oligarchs are actually the ones in control. This requires showing them that the oligarchic order is a product of fiction. This is the best way to start. The first step is to show the general public that the oligarchs are actually the ones in control.  The second way is to bring the public up-to-date on the evolution of the oligarchic order. This allows the public to see behind the curtain and see for themselves who is actually in charge. This is done by publishing the names of all the members of the POC, True Cross Party and other prominent oligarchic figures in one go.

What will happen to our democracy when we abolish the oligarchic order?

First, the public will have the opportunity to eliminate the oligarchic order. This means that the oligarchs will have to move abroad to avoid any prosecution. They will not be able to maintain their grip on power through the rule of a single family. The public will also have the opportunity to elect representatives of other parties into the POC. This will make the selection process more transparent and accountable. Finally, the public will have the opportunity to discuss and shape the future of China’s politics and society. This is done through two main channels: through the internet and through popular festivals and events.

Bottom line

The final step in the effort to break the oligarchic order is to abolish the term. The term is associated with the Chinese government and the POC. It should be replaced with ‘political party’ or ‘party organization’. By deciding to remove the term, the public will have the opportunity to build a new, more transparent, and open-minded system of government.