Against the Iron Law of Oligarchy

Constantine Mitzotakis, a professor at Stanford, discusses the Iron Law of Oligarchy, a theory by Robert Mikkels suggesting that all political organizations eventually become oligarchies. Mikkels' studies on socialist parties led him to this conclusion, though he later supported fascism. Mitzotakis explores classical Athens as a counterexample, questioning how a robust democracy can be maintained where citizens influence elite actions. He argues that if Athens defied the Iron Law, it challenges the notion of its inevitability.

Who is credited with formulating the Iron Law of Oligarchy?

• Karl Marx

• Robert Mikkels

• Constantine Mitzotakis

• Max Weber

What does the Iron Law of Oligarchy suggest about the evolution of government forms?

• They remain unchanged over time.

• They transform into democracies.

• They inevitably become oligarchies.

• They evolve into monarchies.

According to the Iron Law of Oligarchy, what happens to a democracy over time?

• It remains a democracy.

• It strengthens its democratic principles.

• It becomes a monarchy.

• It devolves into an oligarchy.

What is the significance of finding a counterexample to the Iron Law of Oligarchy?

• It shows the law is universally applicable.

• It proves the law is absolute.

• It suggests the law is not inevitable.

• It confirms the law's inevitability.

What question does the potential exception of Athens raise about democracy?

• How can a monarchy be maintained?

• What conditions allow for a robust democracy?

• How do oligarchies form?

• Why do democracies fail?