I can show an example otherwise - the PM of Singapore saying no to Bill Clinton when he asked the Singapore authorities to not impose corporal punishment on an American citizen (caught for vandalizing cars).
Singapore is not just dependent on the US. It depends heavily on China too. Defense wise, Singapore has one of the strongest forces in the region.
And most millionaires in Singapore are Singapore citizens.
Singapore's status is not just some offshore tax haven, as seen by many in the west. It has a diversified economy.
That's not Thiel's argument at all. His argument is that the most innovative companies tend to become monopolies.
However monopolies are not always due to innovation, nor our monopolies inefficient. As you mentioned, it's a function of things that repeat, but also due to stronger players that gobble up less efficient and/or innovative firms.
I would read between the lines. Business history is indeed difficult.
While I would say you shouldn't fully trust some people, coming up with wild conspiracy theories don't help.
Not trusting people with money (regardless if it's a lot) says something about society in general. People should understand that even amongst the rich, people are very different and diverse despite being in the same socioeconomic class.