A Notable Exception

The video explores the relevance of antiquity in understanding modern social science questions, focusing on the Iron Law of Oligarchy, which suggests that all political organizations eventually become oligarchies. The speaker discusses their career journey and how they were influenced by social scientists. They challenge the Iron Law by presenting classical Athenian democracy as a counterexample, arguing that it maintained a robust democracy where ordinary citizens had influence over elites. This counterexample suggests that oligarchy is not inevitable.

What influenced the speaker's research focus on the Iron Law of Oligarchy?

• A personal interest in ancient history

• Conversations with social scientists

• A book written by Robert Michels

• A job at a political organization

According to the Iron Law of Oligarchy, what is the inevitable outcome for political organizations?

• They remain unchanged

• They become more democratic

• They dissolve over time

• They evolve into oligarchies

Who originally developed the Iron Law of Oligarchy?

• Max Weber

• Friedrich Engels

• Karl Marx

• Robert Michels

What did Robert Michels observe about socialist parties in Europe?

• They were successful in maintaining democracy

• They became more inclusive over time

• They were eventually taken over by elites

• They dissolved due to internal conflicts

Why is Athenian democracy considered a significant counterexample to the Iron Law of Oligarchy?

• It had no influence from elites

• It was the first democracy in history

• It maintained a robust democracy despite the theory

• It was a monarchy that evolved into a democracy