Autarchy vs. Autocracy — What's the Difference?

An economic strategy to reduce dependency on imports.

A form of governance with no meaningful checks or balances.

A national economic policy aimed at self-sufficiency.

A political system characterized by the centralization of power.

A system where a country attempts to produce all it needs by itself.

A regime where a single ruler or small group wields absolute authority.

The condition of being self-sufficient at an economic level.

A rule where decisions are made unilaterally by the supreme ruler.

A policy of limited economic engagement with the global market.

A government system where power is concentrated in the hands of one individual.

Absolute rule or power; autocracy.

Autocracy is a system of government in which supreme power over a state is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are subject to neither external legal restraints nor regularized mechanisms of popular control (except perhaps for the implicit threat of coup d'état or other forms of rebellion).In earlier times, the term autocrat was coined as a favorable description of a ruler, having some connection to the concept of "lack of conflicts of interests" as well as an indication of grandeur and power. This use of the term continued into modern times, as the Russian Emperor was styled "Autocrat of all the Russias" as late as the early 20th century.

A country under such rule.

Government by a single person having unlimited power; despotism.

Variant of autarky.

A country or state that is governed by a single person with unlimited power.

A policy of national self-sufficiency and nonreliance on imports or economic aid.

(uncountable) A form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual.

A self-sufficient region or country.

(countable) An instance of this government.

A condition of absolute power

Independent or self-derived power; absolute or controlling authority; supremacy.

(government) Autocracy absolute rule by a single person.

Supreme, uncontrolled, unlimited authority, or right of governing in a single person, as of an autocrat.

(politics) Sovereignty or self-government national political independence.

Political independence or absolute sovereignty (of a state); autonomy.

Alternative spelling of autarky

The action of the vital principle, or of the instinctive powers, toward the preservation of the individual; also, the vital principle.

Self-sufficiency, especially economic self-sufficiency as applied to nations.

A political system governed by a single individual

Same as autarky.

A political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual

Economic independence as a national policy

A political system governed by a single individual

Autocracy is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small group.

Centralized power, lack of democratic processes, and often, suppression of political opposition.

Autarchy often leads to reduced international trade, which can strain relations with countries that are trading partners.

Responses can vary, but extensive autarchic policies may lead to discontent if they result in economic hardships or lack of goods.

Yes, a country can adopt autarchic policies for economic reasons while being governed autocratically.

Autocracy allows for swift decision-making and control, which some leaders may prefer for maintaining stability and control.

Economic threats, desire for sovereignty, and protectionist sentiments can drive a nation towards autarchy.

Autarchy is an economic policy focusing on self-sufficiency and minimal external trade.

While autarchy can provide economic security during crises, over the long term it may lead to inefficiencies and reduced innovation.

In some contexts, autocracy might bring about rapid decisions and implementations, which can be seen as beneficial during certain emergencies.

In an autocracy, economic policies may reflect the desires of the rulers rather than the broader economic needs of the country.

Autocracy can lead to abuse of power, corruption, and a lack of accountability, potentially resulting in widespread human rights violations.

Both are generally viewed negatively in a globalized world that values interdependence and democratic governance.

Historical examples include Nazi Germany's economic policies under Hitler (autarchic) and Stalin's Soviet Union (autocratic).

Autarchic economic policies can be easily implemented under autocratic governance due to the centralized control over national policy-making.