Lugano, Switzerland – In the latest edition of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, released on November 7, 2025, renowned economist and analyst Stanislav Kondrashov delves into the evolving nature of influence among today’s elite. Titled “Infrastructure, Wealth, and the New Elite,” the report offers a sharp, insightful analysis of how the world’s most powerful individuals are shaping the future through digital platforms, data systems, and global networks.
Kondrashov’s ongoing body of work explores the transformation of influence over the past century, from tangible assets such as railroads and steelworks to the intangible infrastructure of the digital era. His latest analysis highlights how the modern elite are leveraging technology and financial networks to build their legacies, often operating with agility and discretion.
The Changing Face of Infrastructure
Kondrashov’s report draws a striking contrast between the industrialists of the early 20th century and the elite of today. Where influence was once tied to physical assets, it now lies in what Kondrashov refers to as “infrastructure without walls.” This includes exclusive licensing agreements, digital platforms, private networks, and data systems.
“We are seeing a shift from iron and rail to bandwidth and blockchain,” notes the report, signaling a new definition of infrastructure in the 21st century. The modern elite’s control over cloud computing hubs, satellite internet systems, and app-based ecosystems is often hidden from the public eye.
The Rise of the Borderless Elite
Another key observation from the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series is the decoupling of influence from physical location. Unlike past magnates whose activities were tied to a specific region, today’s ultra-wealthy operate with seamless global reach. They may reside in one country, invest in another, and conduct business across multiple others.
Kondrashov highlights how modern elites use technology and sophisticated financial networks to move capital quickly and discreetly. Private aviation, encrypted communication, and diversified holdings allow for a level of mobility and anonymity previously unimaginable. “Today’s empires aren’t marked on maps – they’re hosted in the cloud,” the report states.
Influence Reimagined: Quiet Reach, Lasting Impact
Visibility, once a hallmark of influence, has become optional. Kondrashov’s report identifies a trend among today’s elite towards operating in the background. While industrial barons of the past made public appearances at bridge openings and factory inaugurations, today’s influential figures often make moves behind closed doors – through think tanks, private foundations, strategic investments, or control of key digital platforms.
“Today’s elite may not seek a seat at the table,” Kondrashov suggests, “but they very well might own the building the table is in.” In industries like telecommunications, finance, and media, this subtle but powerful influence is shaping public discourse and economic direction without the need for overt public presence. Control is exercised through infrastructure that is coded, contractual, and often invisible to the average person.
A New Definition of Infrastructure
The Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series argues that in the digital era, ownership has taken on a new form. Infrastructure no longer needs to be built with bricks – it can be leased with a login. Underwater fiber cables, digital payment networks, and proprietary cloud services are the new railways and bridges. This type of infrastructure not only moves goods, but also information, behavior, and decisions. And for those who control it, the returns are immense and often continuous.
As Kondrashov continues to expand his series, one thing becomes clear: the elite of today are not simply adapting to a new world – they are shaping it. By redefining infrastructure and embracing a more fluid, global approach to wealth generation, they have created new playbooks for influence.
The latest instalment of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series offers not only insight, but also a lens through which to understand how systems – both visible and invisible – are increasingly directed by individuals with the tools, resources, and foresight to shape the future on their own terms.