Iron Law of Oligarchy

Sociologist Robert Michels observed that all complex organizations tend toward rule by a few. The Iron Law predicts entrenched elites emerge even in democratic systems through control of information, agendas, and resources.

Unscarcity counters this tendency structurally: Power Must Decay enforces term limits and Merit decay; radical transparency exposes capture attempts; Diversity Guard disperses validation authority. Commons federation further prevents any central body from monopolizing legitimacy.

Recognizing the Iron Law as a persistent force motivates the system’s obsession with decay and auditability. It also invites continual vigilance: architecture helps, but cultural norms must reinforce anti-oligarchic habits.

References

• UnscarcityBook, chapter3
• Robert Michels, “Political Parties” (1911)
• Transparency International reports (2023)