{"product_id":"elite-networks-9780197774236","title":"Elite Networks","description":"\u003cp\u003e • Author(s): Vuk (CIO, CIO, Oraclum Capital (ORCA)) Vukovic\u003cbr\u003e • Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc\u003cbr\u003e • Publisher Imprint: Oxford University Press Inc\u003cbr\u003e • BISAC: Social Classes \u0026amp; Economic Disparity\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eElite Networks\u003c\/em\u003e presents a new explanatory factor behind the persistence of income inequality: extractive political power. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eElite networks are informal social networks between politicians in power and top executives of politically connected firms where personal ties and long-term interactions build trust and loyalty between involved actors. Both groups draw benefits from these interactions; politicians stay in power, and corporate executives extract rents for their firms. Firms reward connected executives with higher salaries thus widening the dispersion of earnings in society. In\u003cem\u003e Elite Networks\u003c\/em\u003e, Vuk Vukovic offers a different perspective on the long-run origins of inequality. Calling upon historical arguments and direct empirical evidence, Vukovic argues that inequality is not an artifact of a particular economic system, but a man-made phenomenon rooted deeply within the, often violent, quest for political power. Further, he theoretically and empirically establishes the impact elite networks have on higher inequality. Offering a unique contribution to the field, this book argues that to lower inequality and prevent incentives of elite network formation, we must first and foremost lower centralized political power and re-empower the citizens and the community by rebuilding trust and relying on the democratic trial-and-error mechanism.","brand":"Oxford University Press Inc","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":45321050587287,"sku":"9780197774236","price":4136.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0666\/3471\/1191\/files\/9780197774236.webp?v=1768582354","url":"https:\/\/atlanticbooks.com\/products\/elite-networks-9780197774236","provider":"Atlantic Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}