The Rise of the Oligarchs | Empire

Wealth inequality has risen to stratospheric heights. The statistics, the real statistics, sound like fragments spun off from a madman’s dream.
Eighty-five people have as much money as three and a half billion other people. Look at it like this: 85 people = 3,500,000,000 people.
Forbes Magazine, which used to gleefully refer to itself as a “capitalist tool,” creates an annual list of the richest 400 people in the world. Ten years ago, their combined wealth was $1,000,000,000,000 (one trillion dollars). Now, after a world wide crash and all sort of bailouts, their combined worth is $2,000,000,000,000. They have doubled their money. How have you done?
Did their money come to them because the magic of the market realised how ultra-special talented they were? Or because of power? Manipulating laws, buying politicians, even taking over governments. Has the power of money in the United States grown so great that democracy is just a charade? A large, frenetic, incredibly expensive one, but still, just play-acting and a dumb show for the public?
While all the real decisions come from a small group of the ultra-wealthy, to some degree very consciously, but to an even larger degree by the sheer weight of their incredible wealth, the Oligarchs.
That much money, it has to be about power.
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[@johnnypastrana6727]

The Walmart defender kept saying that Indians and Chinese were pulled up from poverty....hey what about Americans who were driven down into poverty because they lost their manufacturing jobs?

[@ilm_seeker]

+Johnny Pastrana: I don't even think he really believes what he is saying. His arguments are weak, illogical and utter nonsense.

[@domstano1]

Johnny Pastrana Americans that are always b*tching about working at Walmart should get a f*cking skill that will pay more. Waiters and McDonald's works should do the same. For f*ck sake, welders make about $40k a year and all they need is an associate degree which is free in some states and sometimes even paid for by the employer. It's simple economics, last time I checked living on less than $1/day is considered poverty and Walmart is helping people in underdeveloped countries get out of it. I understand corporations take extreme measures to acquire profit but the feeling of entitlement among Americans has to stop. Working at Walmart should be a temporary job before finding something more stable.

[@cinnamonstar808]

US CIVIL WAR was about this economics. The South was wealthy because nobody in the North or even Europe could compete against free labor. The South was able to low-balled cotton prices around the world, also tobacco and other agriculture DUE to slavery free labor. Southern poor whites say blacks as taking all the jobs (LOL nothing has change) because they could not compete with free labor. That's how it all began. China has billionaires and slaves = in the future war will come to their door as well

[@jojosaylor8996]

Johnny Pastrana The workings poor is the least of their concerns. They can careless about us

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Nnamdi Stanley Adom - You are making an argument that is purely speculative anecdotes. Welding jobs are few and far between here in the USA. While Wal-Mart and food service jobs are many more in number. People do what they have to do to feed their families and survive. Many people with certifications, licenses, and degrees are forced to take the low income jobs because the professionally qualified jobs are rare as many of them have been outsourced. You have to see the whole picture before you can criticize, sir.

[@patrickcummins79]

the interview with the blackwater guy is soooo uncomfortable.. that interviewer is ruthless.. much respect

[@captainmurphy52]

He's one of my favorite interviewers to transcribe. He pokes the shit out of them. lol

[@captainmurphy52]

urbanbehive8 They are, yes. They sometimes use two cameras, but sometimes they just pan over to people.

[@karl-arnal]

yeah, i just realised, thanks

[@bj1948]

He seems to be sweating and also searching for what to say. Full of lies and bullshit. Greed runs this company AND country, nothing else. We are so screwed.

[@LittleWhoreRecords]

14:13 wipes his upper lip and thinks to himself "damn I'm sweating"

[@foredeck100]

The reason so many people shop at Walmart is that they have put thousands of smaller mom and pop establishments out of business. Walmart does not represent the best ideals of free market economics. It has monopoly power and is therefore a source of market failure. The woman from Forbes sounded rather stupid. Oligopolies are one step from monopoly. When a group of companies in one industry share a single supply curve they become a cartel (with production quotas and price setting), which is monopoly. The problem with monopolistic power in the market place is that it breeds monopolistic power in our politics, which is fascism. This was never the end goal of free market economics...or democracy, which depends on diversity and competition, as does a free market. The very top of the income pyramid is dominating every aspect of our lives. The people have no power because they have little money and lots of debt. This is slavery.

[@timothynesbitt9148]

Most people nowadays have only an understanding of economics through the game of Monopoly Is this deliberately invented game teaching us the 99%% just enough to buy or rent housing then mortgage back at a.lower price The destruction of the m Middle class was deliberate to stop baby boomer generations getting too rich man

[@ursulaczichi5679]

What do you mean "free market"? There is no free market: I once wondered why this country's large banks kept building high-risers in Atlanta (GA). How can they afford the upkeep costs of all those empty luxury buildings when they do not collect any rent to speak of? The answer to this question is: The buildings are investments because the owners pay no property taxes (none!) for 50 (FIFTY) years aside from getting free money courtesy of their big brothers. (Did you get 50 years tax freedom when you bought your house? I didn't.) Some people also seem to know in advance where large real estate investments turn up. What a bonanza! No, there is nothing free about our economy. It's advanced cronyism.

[@janedoe1913]

Wonderfully stated. Thank you.

[@paulbrower3297]

Wal*Mart dictates what you can buy. Much of it is on the fast track to the landfill even if supposedly 'durable'.

[@dolphin7961]

"Are you a traitor?" That was awesome! Right to the face. good reporting

[@theamici]

The biggest problem with this video is that they are not making it clear enough where wealth enforces or greatly influences policy. They should've had more examples, and I think more examples exist. They often got off track as well.

[@zxb5998]

Agreed

[@smoke703]

They're scared, dont blame them.

[@Jawadandabdullah]

This shows the real face of so called democracy It is capitalism

[@Tethloach1]

it is what works that counts not wishful thinking, sure it is important to make people feel good but that won't get things done. religion/ democracy= make the people feel in control, the system runs itself with a little bit of input here and there sometimes from the people.

[@stevemora7845]

And it's in decline.

[@marticaL]

How completely true this has become, 3+ years later.

[@thegreyghost5846]

Someone give this dude a nobel Prize

[@lucasbadmon7081]

This dude asks all the questions most journalists are afraid to ask

[@proconsulaugustus]

Holy crap he checkmated Eric Prince. OWNED! lmfao

[@toosinbeymen6304]

It is so good to see Eric Prince sweat.

[@CapricornDayz]

I can't even watch the rest of the video with him talking...

[@atme365]

The woman at this restaurant table is nailing it, and with every word he speaks that other guy wreaks of bullshit.

[@jonmo111]

so sad how these low life criminals can put on a garment with padded shoulders(fake wide shoulder) and a strangulation device(suit and tie) and fool so many people. you have to ask -how smart are we really? this shows their fakeness right in plain view and no one notice it

[@cookiecola5852]

Lol he is in contant panic, she is calm and smile😭

[@Mimi-nr6jx]

What is Blackwater doing in Africa?

[@fightfannerd2078]

who knows

[@thegreenbean5891]

Anti-piracy and probably making sure China's machinery gets to where it's going

[@metalgearsolidsnake6978]

money and interest? what else?

[@WaChinYuNow]

Oil dollars

[@chinnchoppa8844]

Njoki K doing what they do best KILLING also there r probably hired by a rich guy to protect him many reason and if they r not hired for protection then

[@Phlashyman]

WOW what a great piece of reporting, i loved the daring

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Anyone else sickened by that Elite Apologist Boot Licker sitting at the table making excuses for Wal-Mart?

[@stevemora7845]

This guy doesn't have even a shred of an argument!!

[@christopherkleinbach5237]

Everyone is saying America has about 5 years left before we and the whole world is going to crash in a massive depression ain't no joke 😪

[@ws2793]

A good on this subject - Finance Capital by Rudolf Hilferding. He was a finance minister of Weimar Republic, i.e. post WWI Germany. Back in 1910 he depicted the present state of things. Banks own you(((

[@HANDLE154]

Are you series?

[@ws2793]

@@HANDLE154 sorry?

[@1moorenate]

DAMN THE TRUTH HURTS ...... HURTS SO GOOD....

[@MrMyyBin]

what is that song those guys are singing? This land is their land, this land ain't ours, friend?

[@butimar68]

I'm not sure that if you're asking for the original song or just the part you mentioned. sounds like that's what they say - as an adaptation for the topic of the video- and original song is from Woody Guthrie called "This land is your land"

[@TravelChannelOne]

I love how the Forbes editor flipped the switch."no in america its called income inequality

[@207522]

This is by far one of the most important, well made, informative documentaries of our generation. Very well done!

[@Metanoia743]

Wow, I love this interviewer guy, great job! And I love the reference to "They Live."

[@speedysteve9121]

Government by the rich is properly called "plutocracy."

[@Williams19275]

Omg! Really opening my eyes 👀👀👀👀👀👀

[@Chidanandaji]

What use is a cheaper washing machine made in Mexico, or a cheaper television made in China, when North Americans no longer have employment to pay for those 'cheap' products. The economic theory called 'the trickle-down effect', in actuality means the top executives get the wealth and tax-havens, while the workers get the 'trickle' of unemployment or lowered wages with little benefits.

[@michaeldonaldalker73]

The trick old down effect is just that , a trick. It means we , at the bottom , get trickled on by those pissing on us from up top.

[@beaniegreen4849]

+Bill Woollam These 'cheap' appliances, houses, lands in USA are being bought up by rich immigrants from other lands. americans will be their servants if the Oligarchs have their way.

[@erfanrahmani]

It's a simple question: how long does it takes for one of your own employees to buy a house? Or how much they can save every month

[@TheBossKelso]

Empire! finaly somthing to watch

[@paulcoffey359]

This reporter has the correct attitude. Salient final words.

[@parkbench94]

Nothing has changed; it all started with a lie and Cain slew Abel...

[@pediwasadam1347]

6:34 this woman is smart. I like her spirit and wisdom💪💪

[@JoanneLG1960]

This needs to be updated and broadcast before the 20/20 election!!!!

[@jasonpramsey9057]

Whoever you are that interviewed that American export quality right wing capitalism Blackwater bot you are my hero! The world needs more of you brother!!!

[@NonBinary_Star]

Every time he gives a masterclass on investigative journalism and studying your interviewees!!!

[@Larkinchance]

A trillion here, a trillion there and pretty soon you're talking about real money..

[@Adam40642]

Iraq war was oligarchs best transaction. All expenses were paid by taxpayers Thousands of unmetered barrels of oil brought in and sold to the same American taxpayer at a higher price! Even though Oil pumped out is metered now but still at a "dictated price".

[@lordofallyall7835]

I love watching Erik prince sweat.

[@rich4liv]

Nice interviews ....Keep it up Al Jazeera

[@EVAA432]

Money speaks volumes in terms of loyalty...

[@Raytrek79]

It's good that America is oligarchy, Plato said the timocratic man is the most honourable but never advocated timocracy, he wrote The Philosopher King but never advocated monarchy, he said Democracy invariably decays into tyranny, so he never advocated Democracy. What he did was identify 5 Regimes, Timocracy, Aristocracy, Oligarchy, Democracy and Tyranny, that this was a cycle, one leading into another like a causality loop. What he advocated was breaking the cycle, not recommend any particular regime, but what he did say was the Oligarchy phase of the cycle is the optimal period to break the cycle.

[@minneapolisfalling]

This is one of the best short documentaries on the end of "normal America" i've seen in a very long time...excellent work; blackwater a one to one ration in Iraq 2 amazing information...!

[@nelsongonzalez4533]

Walmart put a lot of small businesses out of business. Today Walmart is very rich and powerful that operates as a multinational or a big corporation. What's wrong with that 🙄?

[@techluvin7691]

That Blackwater guy is sweating bad.

[@shawnzuercher7262]

This guy does not realize that once corporate interest crush the competition then drive up prices

[@mattnaturally]

Black Water isn't new. Executive Outcomes pulled the same trick in Africa in the 90s. But DAMN he hammered him in that interview. +1

[@caseysmith1357]

This guy is responsible for China's artificial islands.

[@Unprotected1232]

That dude at 6:30 doesnt take into an account that most of his customers are low wage workers(not just his workers)

[@niamhneevekinsella7951]

He’s uncomfortable which is good, these people need to wake up. Good interviewer 👍

[@RAddisonpeAce-WaRRioR]

Mr. Bishara asks the correct questions, brings pronouncements together w concepts, wisely! However, for us americans who want americanism, we may have desired a definition of "technocrats/technocracy" as well as why plutocracy?

[@Smith34567]

Brilliant video

[@pascaldurieux8799]

very good programme,i like this interviewer ,very clever

[@Rickwmc]

To paraphrase Lord Acton (19th Century British politician) who said: "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely," we can now say "Money buys power and big money buys overwhelming power."

[@Rickwmc]

When you start out on the journey to become wealthy, you enter into a jungle of stinging scorpions, predator cats, mouse-eating owls, and wolf packs, or, into an ocean of razor-toothed piranhas, barracudas who eat baby turtles, circling sharks and spinning-in-the-water crocodiles. If you are a law-abiding, morally upright, nice guy you will be devoured before you get twenty yards.

[@christopherkleinbach5237]

I've quit cigarettes drugs and beer so my mind can be clear for what is coming no one can be clear I'm seperateing this ball and chain from these drugs from rotting my brain am not smokeing no more tobacco so when I run out I won't go Waco am quiting beer because it's a depressant and I don't want tears for I must be ready to face my fears instead of running away to disappear.

[@zhawqamadraque2728]

I think oligarchies has always been the real rulers of every system in the world throughout history. In my opinion there has yet to be something as a real democracy, and it's difficult to establish because it depends on education and information of the populations, but who will educate and inform them, who will decide who is to educate and inform them? And most importantly, while we live under oligarchies, how will we give the people the necessary freedom, strength, energy, will and belief in themselves to become educated and well informed? The clips from the movie "They Live" is a good picture of how it works in so called established democracies particularly in the Western countries, but the same is used by necessity to some extent everywhere in the world because without having some support in the population an oligarchy cannot get foot hold. On the subject of Walmart, I actually do think there are two sides of this. As for the incredible wealth accumulated on the hands of one person, that is simply insane. As you said: "Having millions of dollars is one thing, but why billions? Where's the need for that": I actually believe beyond a certain point it is no longer about being rich but about being Nb. 1, making money turns into a sport for these people (I've met a few, so I know this is the case). But again, about Walmart, it is created jobs in China while giving Americans access to cheaper food.

[@allgoo1964]

+Zhawq AmaDraque says: "I think oligarchies has always been the real rulers of every system in the world throughout history." == Some times more and other times less. When their power declined, the economy boomed. It was true in Rome, it was true in US.

[@rsaathoff]

@ 43:50 this is exactly correct. People have become objects or "human capital" and Corporations have become people with absolutely more privilege and rights and protection.

[@MyMagnumOpus]

Thank-you for your research! I agree!

[@geekmeee]

“Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts, absolutely.”

[@christopherkleinbach5237]

Too many people on Earth not enough resources 22 trillion in debt keep printing money on barowed time .

[@rodolfolopez8679]

In LATIN AMERICA KNOW THAT SINCE THE BRITAIN TOUCH THIS CONTINENT CALLED AMERICA BY THE SPANISH .

[@MADKingR]

That is a nice three year old documentation, but it has not changed anything.

[@troyballard8607]

"You can't focus on wages?" I'm not an economist, but isn't it wages that drives the middle class, and being the is no longer is a middle class says to me that wages should always be the focus. Lastly, TICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS HAS BEEN PROVEN NOT TO WORK!!!! The rich are rich for one reason, and that is to keep themselves rich!!!!

[@jennyzoet7291]

Most people aren't paying attention.

[@W_Bin]

What happened after this??? Brilliant report.

[@keitumetsem1344]

Great episode

[@nicethugbert]

Mr. Prince doesn't know what the American Way is. From Wikipedia:"The American System, originally called "The American Way", was an economic plan that played a prominent role in American policy during the first half of the 19th century. Rooted in the "American School" ideas of Alexander Hamilton, the plan "consisted of three mutually reinforcing parts: a tariff to protect and promote American industry; a national bank to foster commerce; and federal subsidies for roads, canals, and other 'internal improvements' to develop profitable markets for agriculture."[1] Congressman Henry Clay was the plan's foremost proponent and the first to refer to it as the “American System”."

[@beaniegreen4849]

+nicethugbert It is gone now, unhappily. We are under the thumb of international bankers, "free trade" has destroyed American industry and innovation and some roads are getting undrivaeable these days with so many potholes.

[@DigoronKavkaz]

Al Jazeera, you should have interviewed Noam Chomsky or those intellectuals highly familiar with systemic corporatism.

[@ronaldtorres200]

Thanks to aljazeera for this documentary, now the question is how can we change this oligarchs capital system empire? and how about the fiscal paradise?

[@celticcornwall9022]

great ending words sir!

[@cedricsmith8188]

That is messed up if you think Walton family should not have billions of dollars. Some times a few do things that a lot don't it takes a lot for a few to stay rich everyone can't be billionaires a lot of people love shopping everyone can't afford things they want, but The United States of America does a whole bunch to help American citizens, and other countries.

[@botoyo7374]

Instead of waiting for the government to give you money. Jealousy won't make you a rich man.

[@dontoews6754]

in the 1960's we could afford stuff, now we can't no matter how low the price

[@clarkestatham1298]

the cost of freedom???????

[@debjitdt]

Sorry, but this looks more of a fun documentary than a serious one. Look at the Eric Prince interview (13:15), you are trying to force on your opinion and not let the guy (Eric Prince) answer it. I am completely a neutral person (not American or from Mid East), but I think that interview was unfair for the interviewer towards the interviewee.

[@KingScorpio84]

america has become that what europeans settlers have fled from europe, it has become a system of absolute monarchig empires. a limited few who were able to lend a lot of money became insanly rich

[@todaystheday8]

Billionaires with under $100B? That’s so 2013!

[@TheCzaach]

I really like how bald is the journalist ! Amazing! this guy from Blackwater had really hard interview :) Greetings from Poland!

[@donnagriffin6050]

That's why don't shop at Walmart

[@mothergoose6087]

Oligarchs, should we be learning a lot more about them? What should we really know about them? Business policy, our way or no way? So is it really working and who is responsible it, if it all fails? How do you watch their step? Do we know where they are going or whether or not it is going to be good for us all? Do they really make the decisions for us all? Do we really all have to follow, right or wrong? Can we not choose our own path any more? Things have changed a lot in the past few years.

[@beaniegreen4849]

+mother goose Oligarchs = Criminal Mafioso Style Organization. think about extortion, black mail and murder: that is how Oligarchs get and retain power. They are dangerous criminals.

[@acettovalens6787]

we re TIRED of Oligarchs

[@youhavethisnametoo]

great great job AJ!

[@1234locks]

4.40 what the fk did Walmart do to wolverine???!!!???

[@Teshub]

This is journalism.

[@ThisIsSparta006]

Just so you know: ex post facto, all economists agree that some sort of bailout WAS NECESSARY to prevent even bigger panic contagion fears (chain reaction from all the investments, loans, and other connections to big and small businessess all across America) The big problem is that the so called too big to fail banks were the ones who precipitated the crisis in the first place, but the U.S. had to bail them out because the consequences were worse than not bailing them out(the aftereffects of republican congress vetoing bailout at first led to such a huge financial shock that they overturned it soon after) The problem is that bailout money was used also to provide a relief TARP of sorts (yeah, pun intended) to institutions like Goldman Sachs, which didnt need the money to stay solvent. The bailout was needed (compared to no bailout at all), but the causes of the bailout and the way bailout was implemented is why people say oligarchs are dominating US politics.

[@patrickvernon4766]

We need a Julius Caesar

[@dennisflynn4097]

Whether people like it or not ....lets put emotions aside .... this country is a REPUBLIC and the founding of the nation was based on these principles (system of laws). The founding fathers did not support majority rules (look it up) and were captains of industries. I just pray that those with power and influence make this world (for all of us) a better place. I do believe there has been a level of betrayel to the public trust though.

[@pancake2662]

it's the society determines wealthy not the few wealthy that defined society and democracy. he said it

[@josehawkins4276]

The government needs to provide a job guarantee at a living wage and single payer, problem solved. Low prices are good, vote stupid.

[@syedhuda9957]

The "Tentacles" of Old European Oligarchy, spread out to grab Asia, Africa and eventually North & South American countries with colonial monstrosity It never changed the basic structural form but over the centuries adjusted not only to survive but morph into subtlety and surreptitious presence , with the British Isles constantly struggling to take the lead from its continental European competitors At the zenith of its success by the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, the morbidity of British mind set brought about innovative ways by way of merging the Oligarchy with Zionist movement that was still in the "Nursery" The 2 WWs were mere extension of the European Power struggle for the lead, with apparently neutral USA (albeit predominantly influenced by European heritage and blood line but notoriously tilted towards British mind set despite the war of independence from Britain of 1776) Bottom line : Although structurally Old European Oligarchy, but tainted with British morbidity, turned it into a completely different form from that which culminated in post WW II, Neo Colonialism and the disguises like Marital Plan, World Bank, IMF and subsequently Petro Dollar hegemony However in last 7 decades is no exception either culminating in the end of Cold war, final power shifting to America and BREXIT to crush EU However the Divine balancing factor playing its role resulted in Ukraine war that is going to decide the fate of both USA and its European allies along with that of NATO PS : NATO and EU both can not survive, so one has to be obliterated for the other to survive with China becoming the sole beneficiary of it all

[@kathys2357]

A Walmart, Target, and so on can be created through non-profit worker co-op where all employee's get equal profit bonuses every qtr. and the white collar's worker make no more than 15% above the average worker.

[@petergaudet1210]

the wallmart defender keeps saying billions into the american economy, he means into a few americans economy ,the only reason they make money is the wages they dont pay ....around the world if they wanted to pull people out of poverty pay the people in india 10 dollars an hour instead of 15 cents an hour

[@gxulien]

Nice that things are laid out in simple terms. Regular people's eyes glass over when they get into the technical accounting and finance stuff. But I just got my AA a couple of years ago in accounting and work for the government, but I picked the finance stuff up just from the news. Even normal intelligent people buy the line that they had to keep the system from imploding and couldn't put conditions on the loans. But then a lot of people also believe that the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were necessary to save American lives (Japan was trying to negotiate surrender terms - can we just keep the emporer, that's all). Say something often enough and people will believe it.

[@EddieLeal]

They have Wolverine singing? Unbelievable!

[@I999-g2s]

At best, Avik Roy doesn’t even know that he’s lying

[@saturncomes]

it'd be awesome if i was able to see some hope for the world.

[@saturncomes]

great episode of empire tho

[@vivavoce4823]

How dare the people in this program criticize the system, they are so unamericanized!

[@ryanharriss7950]

How about spending that money on helping people instead of killing ??

[@theconcealedmistress]

I mostly shop at Aldi's, they are small here in the US. There workers make $12 an hour. now that's not a lot but for a young student living at home, that's ok. aldis is a German grocery store and smaller but pay more.

[@paulproductions9213]

Isn't obvious? Oligarchy rules much of the world, but the masses will always resist dominance, in Venezuela a bus driver made it to the presidency, try that in USA.

[@toddbilleci8563]

Forbes guy is absolutely insane.