Eliticide

Eliticide refers to the systematic killing, destruction, or elimination of the elite members of a society or group. The "elite" in this context can refer to individuals holding positions of power, influence, or leadership, often encompassing political leaders, intellectuals, economic powerholders, military commanders, religious figures, or cultural icons.

Eliticide can be carried out through various means, including assassination, mass murder, purges, forced exile, or the targeted destruction of their property and institutions. The motivations behind eliticide can vary widely, ranging from political revolution and social upheaval to ethnic cleansing and the suppression of dissent. It is often a strategy employed to destabilize existing power structures, eliminate potential opposition, or radically transform a society.

The term is often used in the context of political violence and genocide, where the targeting of elite individuals is seen as a way to dismantle a group's ability to resist or recover. The consequences of eliticide can be devastating, leading to a loss of expertise, leadership, and cultural heritage, and potentially hindering a society's long-term development and stability.

While the term primarily describes the physical elimination of elites, it can also encompass the systematic disenfranchisement or marginalization of elite groups, aimed at diminishing their influence and power within society. However, the core concept revolves around the intentional targeting of individuals occupying positions of authority and influence.