How did Russia emerge?

The traditional start-date of specifically Russian history is the establishment of the Rus’ state in the north in 862, ruled by Varangians. Staraya Ladoga and Novgorod became the first major cities of the new union of immigrants from Scandinavia with the Slavs and Finns.

How was Russia expanded?

Russia gained much more territory, established a strong army, and modernized the economy. Under the famous tsar Ivan The Terrible (Ivan Groznyy) Russia expanded dramatically: it conquered Tartar states along Volga river and acquired access to Caspian sea. The colonization of Siberia was also started.

What power does oligarchy have?

Oligarchy (from Greek ὀλιγαρχία (oligarkhía); from ὀλίγος (olígos) ‘few’, and ἄρχω (arkho) ‘to rule or to command’) is a form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people.

Why was oligarchy used?

The term was used by Aristotle to refer to despotic power exercised by a small and privileged group for often corrupt or selfish purposes. In most classic oligarchies, governing elites were recruited exclusively from a hereditary ruling caste, whose members tended to exercise power in the interests of their own class.

Why is oligarchy important in history?

Throughout history, oligarchies have often been tyrannical, relying on public obedience or oppression to exist. In his “Iron law of oligarchy” he suggests that the necessary division of labor in large organizations leads to the establishment of a ruling class mostly concerned with protecting their own power.

Who holds the power in an oligarchy?

In an oligarchy (OH-lih-gar-kee), a small group of people has all the power. Oligarchy is a Greek word that means “rule by a few.” Sometimes this means that only a certain group has political rights, such as members of one political party, one social class, or one race.

What is the history of the Russian oligarchy?

The first modern Russian oligarchs emerged as business-sector entrepreneurs under Mikhail Gorbachev (General Secretary 1985–1991) during his period of market liberalization. The term “oligarch” derives from the Ancient Greek oligarkhia meaning “the rule of the few”.

Are Russian oligarchs being forced to stay at home?

And while living abroad is popular for many, Russia’s oligarchs are being forced to keep a foothold at home regardless of their position in the state apparatus. A 2013 law forced government officials, their spouses, and children under 18 to divest themselves of foreign stocks and bank accounts.

Who are the post-Soviet business oligarchs?

Post-Soviet business oligarchs include relatives or close associates of government officials, even government officials themselves, as well as criminal bosses often connected to the Russian government.

What role did the oligarchs play in the Yeltsin presidency?

During Yeltsin’s presidency (1991–1999) oligarchs became increasingly influential in Russian politics; they played a significant role in financing the re-election of Yeltsin in 1996. With insider information about financial decisions of the government, oligarchs could easily increase their wealth even further.