In modern dictionaries, autarky is a closed, inwardly directed system, with a low dependence on the external environment - i.e. full sovereignty. The opposite concept is the completely open system, dependent on the environment.
What is autarky?
Autarky - this concept, like many others, came from ancient Greece. Initially, using this term, characterized a person who does not need help and provides any resources. Autarky is sometimes confused with autocracy, but these are different concepts and the second means the unlimited power of one person. In the vocabulary of business terms, autarkyism is the creation of closed blocks in the economy, for example, as a form of struggle for the redistribution of economic zones.
What is autarky in philosophy?
Autarchy in philosophy means naturalness, self-righteousness, forbearance - all these qualities can be characterized by Homeric Greece. The term autarchy was used by Aristotle and Neoplatonists to refer to a group of philosophical concepts, such as:
- "A man by himself";
- someone or something, capable to save a life, to provide an independent existence and to protect from destruction.
Further, the term undergoes changes and is encountered among philosophers in the designation of a personality that Plotinus, Proclus and others have referred to as:
- "Autarchic body";
- "The autarkic body of the universe";
- "The autarkic body of the cosmos".
Democritus meets autarky in the context of nature, modesty, nature. For example, "autarchic meal" is the opposite of a luxurious, unlimited feast. The autarky of a way of life in the alien side is straw for litter and a flat cake of barley, which is enough to satisfy hunger and fatigue. Autocracy in Democritus is something that ensures the minimum needs of the body, but contributes to the growth of "complacency", "well-being of the soul."
In Plato, autarky has the opposite beginning - this is not a minimum, but a maximum. According to this philosopher, autarkic cosmos is a "living god", he is imperishable and does not need anything, his soul extends everywhere, he embraces everything and knows himself. Later, this meaning of autarky continues in the writings of philosophers and Christian theologians. Autarky is an atribut of God, spirituality, wisdom.
Economic autarky
Autarky in the economy is a concept that characterizes a closed economy directed inward. Self-sufficiency and absolute sovereignty are the main signs of an autarky state, to which mainly large countries gravitate. In the 21st century such conditions for the state are impossible, even the most closed societies and countries have ties with other states.
Autarky and open economy
Open economy or autarky - modern governments already have practically no such choice. Avtarkizm possible only in some areas. For example, some countries do not import imported food products, creating a closed block in this sphere of production, which has a beneficial effect on the development of the farms of this state. Smaller states as a whole are not capable of supporting autarky, can not provide the population with everything necessary.
Avtarkia - the pros and cons
The principle of autarky is currently the most inherent in North Korea, but even this country is increasingly involved in the world economy. Such relative self-sufficiency (for a short time) has a beneficial effect on domestic production, because the population is forced to acquire only what is produced domestically, so the demand for goods is always high. The minus of such a system is directly related to the plus, since nothing can be purchased except for own-made goods.
Autarky in the global economy
World economists have proved that autarky causes serious damage to the country's economy and its inhabitants. The policy of autarky as an economic sovereignty of the country is considered on several examples confirming this theory.
- The USSR - the long-term sovereignty of the country led to the country's technical backwardness, so the great power today is to a greater extent only a supplier of energy resources. Autarky was used by the state as protection against external pressure.
- Germany, Japan, Italy - these countries during the Second World War used autarky as a means to further the redistribution of the world, as well as to strengthen power over the population. An autarky policy was expressed in the militarization of the economy.
- In Afghanistan, autarchy reigned from 1996 to 2001 during the Taliban regime.
- USA - this country was close to the principles of autarky from 1807 to 1809 during the blockade, when President Jefferson was declared a voluntary embargo.
- Austria-Hungary adhered to autarky from 1867 to 1918. This is practically the only positive example, since sovereignty was natural, and the country did not depend on the world market.