The authors argue that the banks' oligarchic power stems from the size and concentration of American finance.

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The choice of Mr Yanukovich as president would be neither a disaster nor a breakthrough for Ukraine's oligarchic political system.

ECONOMIST: Ukraine's presidential election

The elevation of the extremely wealthy to oligarchic status is happening differently today, but the outcome of that elevation could follow a similarly disastrous course.

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Rather, it functions by balancing several oligarchic groups within the system.

ECONOMIST: A small country grows drunk on oil wealth

Conversely, art market supply is mushrooming to meet oligarchic demand.

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