Part 10/14:
An insightful analogy compares elite behavior to the corporate world: leaders might prefer to hire individuals who won’t outshine them or threaten their standing. Similarly, political elites seek to prevent rivals from gaining power, often through collusion or other forms of mutual assurance.
This cycle of self-preservation undermines the democratic ideal of merit-based advancement. Instead, it cultivates a social environment where “cheating” and manipulation are rewarded, further entrenching elite dominance.