Journal of Rehabilitation Research Current Updates
The Democracy of Money: The Election of Billionaires Worldwide
Abstract
Guychristian Agbor
The interplay between wealth and democracy has been a central theme in history, philosophy, and political analysis. A critical focus is the influence billionaires wield in democracies worldwide. In the past ten years, governments of countries such as Mexico, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States have been led by individuals with immense fortune. Such a trend raises important questions about the health of the democratic process. Recently, countries have witnessed an increase in the election of billionaires, further fueling debates on democracy and its resilience. Many questions arise. How is the balance of power within democracies that allows a single individual the means to buy political office? If, as theorized by democracy’s proponents, people with low incomes are empowered within such systems, how do exceptional individuals escape representation tyranny? On the other side of the debate’s spectrum, political theorists and scientists pose similar questions with differing conclusions. If democracy functions with imperfections, what alternative is preferable? Or, if coherent and practical policy solutions remain possible outside democracy, what good is the system? These questions are crucial as money enters politics, offering insights into the possible considerations when addressing the ethical and social challenges such entry affords.