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Extractive Elite: Difference between revisions
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The Extractive Elite, also | The '''Extractive Elite''' is a term coined by Eric Weinstein to describe groups of so-called "elites" who derive power and privilege primarily through extraction, rent-seeking, and institutional capture rather than through productive or public-spirited contributions. The concept is contrasted with the notion of a "True Elite," who are characterized as insubordinate, scientific, sustainable, and oriented toward the public good. The Extractive Elite is also referred to as the ''Rent-seeking Elite'', ''Kleptocratic Elite'', ''Unethical Elite'', ''Anti-Elite'', ''Swamp Elite'', or ''Fake Elite''. | ||
The Extractive Elite is defined in opposition to the public-spirited, insubordinate, sustainable, scientific, [[True Elite]], which have been driven out of and are now almost non-existent in present-day institutions. While True Elites add value to society, the Extractive Elite consolidate advantage by extracting rents, suppressing dissent, and displacing those who contribute to broader institutional or societal flourishing. | |||
== Characteristics == | |||
Key features associated with the Extractive Elite include: | |||
* '''Rent-seeking and extraction''': Reliance on privileges and institutional rents rather than value creation. | |||
* '''Institutional capture''': Domination of organizations such as academia, government, and science agencies. | |||
* '''Displacement of True Elites''': Suppression or marginalization of productive, dissenting, or public-spirited elites. | |||
* '''Opacity and lack of accountability''': Preference for insider networks and avoidance of scrutiny. | |||
* '''Adaptation to stagnation''': Greater reliance on extraction under conditions of slower economic growth. | |||
* '''Narrative control''': Shaping public perceptions to entrench dominance, enforce "consensus", and suppress challengers. | |||
* '''Selective tolerance''': Offering multiple opportunities to loyalists while excluding dissenters. | |||
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== Related Concepts == | == Related Concepts == | ||
* [[Extractocrats]] | |||
* [[Knarc]] | * [[Knarc]] | ||
* [[The Looting Party]] | * [[The Looting Party]] | ||