Has a single powerful clique secretly controlled the world throughout history? No. Why do some people find this idea plausible? Because it does fantastically reflect the real world. A few thousand years ago, an economic surplus began to be produced and to support a ruling class. Economic rulers can be as in-your-face as an Emperor and his court controlling soldiers controlling slaves or as behind-the-scenes as corporate backers of political parties but no single group has retained power since Babylon. On the contrary, states have changed and, more fundamentally, ruling classes have also changed. Historically recently, the moneyed bourgeoisie overthrew the landed aristocracy.
Fiction based on conspiracy theories is one way to comment on real world power structures. Poul Anderson used the idea of alien invasion of Earth to comment on economic power in "Soldier from the Stars." Instead of conquering Earth militarily - and destroying most of it in the process - the extra-solar humanoid aliens sold their military services to the highest bidder among Terrestrial governments and thus became Earth's economic rulers. Fantastic fiction always reflects reality.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
At least in Great Britain, the "bourgeoisie" which gradually became in that country did not overthrow the landed gentry/aristocracy by violence, massacre, sweeping confiscation, etc. It was more a gradual surrender of de facto power by one group to another.
I agree with what you said about Anderson's "Soldier From the Stars." I would add that I think it's likely that non-humans who came to rule Earth as we see happening in that story would eventually feel the need to adopt some kinds or forms of legitimacy acceptable to humans if they wanted their rule to be LASTING.
Seam
Sean,
There was a Civil War and an execution of a king in the 17th century, though.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I agree! But even Cromwell and his hencemen did not perpetrate any sweeping massacres and confiscations (outside of Ireland, of course). And there was a Restoration of the monarchy as well, not long after Oliver died.
Sean
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