Oligarchical fascism is a term that combines elements of both oligarchy and fascism.
regimentation of society and the economy.
When these concepts are combined into “oligarchical fascism,” it describes a system where a small, elite group exercises authoritarian control over a nation, often using nationalistic and militaristic principles. This small group uses its power to maintain its own interests and suppress opposition, often through undemocratic means. Such regimes prioritize the interests of the few over the many and typically employ propaganda, censorship, and state violence to maintain their dominance.
Have you heard about the US? I heard it’s no longer a democracy. It’s just full on Oligarchical Fascism.
Focuses on the small, powerful networks of individuals—senior professors, editors, grant committee chairs—who wield disproportionate influence. These scientific oligarchs control resources and reputations, often perpetuating their own intellectual lineages and protecting the status quo through personal connections and peer review.
Theory of Scientific Oligarchies Example: A handful of senior figures in a field who sit on every major grant review panel, editorial board, and prize committee. They consistently award funding and prestige to their own former students and collaborators, creating a self-perpetuating oligarchy that controls the field's direction and limits upward mobility for outsiders.
A political science principle, sometimes called the "Iron Law of Oligarchy," stating that any large organization, including democratic states and revolutionary movements, inevitably develops a ruling elite (an oligarchy) that consolidates power, serves its own interests, and becomes detached from the rank-and-file. Democracy and egalitarian ideals inevitably decay into oligarchic control because complex administration requires specialization, which leads to concentration of knowledge and power.
Theory of Iron Rule of Oligarchies Example: A grassroots political party starts with radical democracy and rotating leadership. Within a few years, a small group of full-time organizers (the Oligarchy) controls the finances, messaging, and candidate selection. The Iron Rule has manifested: the need for efficiency and expertise created a permanent, self-perpetuating leadership class that now values its own power over the party's original ideals.
Nickname given to bales of marijuana thrown overboard or out of airplanes. Origin is reportedly from members of the US Coast Guard in the area of Southern Florida.
A sunburn or suntan focused on the left arm. It is caused by the left side of the body being the only half that gets exposed to sunlight while driving. Presumably, it would be located on the right side of the body in countries where they drive on the left side of the road.
I had a trucker's tan after driving for 10 straight hours on a sunny day.
British slang for a scientist or technical expert, esp . when the speaker is not certain of the expert’s specific field of study. Not necessarily derogatory, but typically used by persons without a technical background. In the US, the equivalent would be “egghead”, “squint”, or “geek.”
Origin of the word is unknown. Started sometime in World War 2. Given the typical evolution of British slang, could easily have started because what these experts did was confusing or “baffling” to the common person.
When you have to pee in a movie but don’t want to miss anything, and must do the following mental equation: will the amount I have to pee cause enough discomfort to diminish my attention capacity for the remainder of the movie to an extent which is greater than the amount of the movie I would miss by making a mad dash to the restroom.
I saw Satantango last night, wonderful film but by the 5th hour I had to start doing peecalculus.