Autarchy

Autarchy, in American English can refer either to a form of self-government, or to the absolute rule of an individual. The word comes from the Greek autarkhos (???????????), "auto" meaning self and "arkhos" meaning "ruler".

Related Topics:
American English - Self-government - Greek

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Traditionally, autarchy refers to a system of absolutism (see also: autocracy, despotism, dictatorship, monocracy, tyranny). It also implies a state enjoying absolute sovereignty.

Related Topics:
Absolutism - Autocracy - Despotism - Dictatorship - Monocracy - Tyranny - Sovereignty

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In its self-government meaning, autarchy refers to a libertarian idea, championed by Robert LeFevre, of stateless self-governance, distinct from anarchism (a system which many associate, rightly or wrongly, with violence).

Related Topics:
Robert LeFevre - Anarchism

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However, in British English Autarchy is the same as the American equivalent, Autarky, meaning a national economic policy that aims at achieving self-sufficiency and eliminating the need for imports (by imposing tariffs, for example). Such a goal may be difficult, if not impossible, for a small country. Countries that take protectionist measures and try to prevent free trade are sometimes described as autarchical.

Related Topics:
British English - Autarky

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