In the 21st century, global society seems to be undergoing a transformation reminiscent of medieval feudalism. However, instead of kings and nobles, today's power lies in the hands of billionaires who wield significant political, economic, and social influence. This new form of feudalism doesn't revolve around land or traditional vassalage but rather centers on technological enterprises, corporate monopolies, and clientelistic relationships with governments and states. These modern "feudal lords" have built empires that not only dominate key sectors of the economy but also manipulate public policies to their advantage, while criticizing social subsidies that aim to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable.
The Feudal Lords of the 21st Century

Today, figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, and Mark Zuckerberg exercise disproportionate control over multiple aspects of our lives. From energy to e-commerce, from social media to space exploration, these magnates have amassed unimaginable wealth by exploiting global markets and securing significant benefits from government subsidies. While some argue that their innovations drive human progress, others claim that these practices reinforce an unjust system where individual interests outweigh collective ones.

A prime example is Elon Musk, founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, among other companies. His business success has been widely documented, but less known is his reliance on state subsidies to fund ambitious projects such as Tesla's Gigafactories or SpaceX's space programs. According to independent studies, Musk has received billions of dollars in tax incentives, preferential loans, and government contracts. For instance, Tesla has benefited greatly from federal subsidies and local incentives aimed at promoting the transition to electric vehicles. Despite this, Musk has repeatedly criticized social subsidies, such as public healthcare or food assistance, labeling them inefficient and costly.

This contradiction reflects a recurring pattern in the behavior of many modern billionaires: they readily accept subsidies that benefit their businesses but reject any form of wealth redistribution that could help the general population. In this sense, the new feudal lords act as intermediaries between the state and citizens, using public resources to strengthen their empires while reducing investments in essential services like education, healthcare, and welfare.
Dependency on State Subsidies

One of the cornerstones of the new feudalism is the parasitic relationship between large corporations and governments. Multinational companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have skillfully leveraged fiscal and regulatory policies to maximize their profits. For example, Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, has received substantial tax exemptions and municipal subsidies to establish logistics centers in various regions. As a result, many local communities face labor issues, precarious employment, and economic inequality.

In the case of SpaceX, Musk's company dedicated to space exploration, much of its funding comes from contracts with government agencies like NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. This raises ethical questions about who is truly driving space research: taxpayers whose taxes fund these projects, or a select few billionaires looking to expand their businesses beyond Earth?

Moreover, these companies often use legal strategies to minimize their tax liabilities. Through complex offshore structures and international agreements, they evade paying taxes that could be reinvested in social programs and community development. This cycle perpetuates the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, leaving the majority excluded from the benefits generated by economic growth.
Social and Political Impact

The new feudalism affects not only wealth distribution but also democratic governance. Modern billionaires have used their economic influence to intervene in political processes, financing election campaigns, lobbying for favorable legislation, and promoting specific agendas. Consequently, decisions made by governments increasingly reflect the interests of financial elites rather than the needs of the citizenry.

Additionally, this dynamic generates growing distrust toward public institutions. When citizens see how resources allocated to private projects enrich a few, while public services deteriorate due to budget cuts, a perception of systemic injustice arises. This frustration can lead to populist movements, political polarization, and social instability.
Alternatives and Solutions

To combat the new feudalism, it is essential to implement structural reforms that ensure greater equity in wealth distribution. Some proposals include:

Progressive Taxation: Increasing taxes on great fortunes and corporations to fund high-quality public services.
Corporate Regulation: Setting clear limits on corporate influence in politics and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Sustainable Incentives: Redirecting subsidies toward initiatives that directly benefit society, such as accessible renewable energy or public infrastructure.
Institutional Strengthening: Improving transparency and accountability in government decisions related to contracts and subsidies.

Conclusion

The new feudalism of the 21st century poses a threat to democracy and social justice. While a few accumulate unprecedented wealth, millions struggle to access basic services like health, education, and decent housing. To reverse this trend, it is crucial to recognize the extractive nature of the current model and work collectively toward a more inclusive and sustainable system. Only then can we build a future where prosperity is shared by all, not just by a privileged elite.