By looking at the wealth of those in power
#364
How do we save democracy?
By looking at the wealth of those in power.
Perhaps the best indicator for determining the state of democracy in a country is the wealth of the rulers and their families.
Dictators like Vladimir Putin and authoritarian rulers like Recep Tayyip Erdogan have become multi-billionaires while in power. And Donald Trump has more than doubled his fortune since launching his re-election campaign last year.
One problem with that much money in the hands of those in power is that it helps to secure power. Those who are rich can use their wealth to buy support. A change of power, the heart of any functioning democracy, thus becomes increasingly difficult.
"The United States is seemingly becoming just another country with a corrupt strongman personalizing and profiting from power,"
writes Ben Rhodes in The New York Times.
A worthwhile piece.
See you in Democracy!