Problem
Undisclosed control of national economies by limited number of individuals
Other Names:
Disproportionate influence of some individuals on national policy-making Nature:
It is possible for a limited number of wealthy individuals to make use of networks of holding companies, family ties and other special relationships in order to maintain effective control over the major corporations and decision-making centres of a national economy. The individuals related in this way may be in government, military and banking positions as well as in public or private corporations. Because of corporation secrecy on these matters, it is very difficult to determine the extent of such control and to hold the controllers responsible for policies which they attempt to implement to the disadvantage of those outside their privileged circle. Incidence:
It has been claimed that only 100 people are behind most economic decisions taken in France, that four companies decide the industrial development of Italy, and that three inter-related families virtually control the economy of Belgium. Broader Problems:
Elitist control of global economy Narrower Problems:
Monopoly of the economy by corporations Aggravates:
Irresponsible policy-making Strategies:
Implementing national policy processDisclosing limited control of national economiesHiding extent of control of national economies by limited number of individualsLimiting monopoly control of national economies Subject(s):
Society → IndividualsCommunication → Influencing
Cybernetics → Control
Economics → Economy
Policy-making → Policy
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
13.04.1998 – 00:00 CEST