Statism

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Statism is a term used in a variety of disciplines (economics, sociology, education policy etc) to describe a system that involves a significant interventionist role for the state in economic or social affairs. In social sciences it can also refer to the mere existence of states, particularly in relation to discussions of nationalism, modernity and globalization. Anarchists also often use the word in this sense. In economics, the term "statism" refers to any economy where the state plans or coordinates the economy, or the advocacy of such a system. Merriam-Webster defines statism as: "concentration of economic controls and planning in the hands of a highly centralized government."

Also in economics, the term has been used to refer to economic interventionism itself, even if it occurs within an overall market economy. In this sense, "statism" is most often used by opponents of such intervention. Advocates typically do not refer to it as statism, preferring to call the intervention they support by other names, depending on their specific methods and goals.

1 Usage in relation to other concepts
2 Criticism and advocacy
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

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Usage in relation to other concepts

Socialism and communism are often accused by their opponents of being "statist". However, a few observations need to be made:

Many forms of socialism are opposed to state intervention in matters of personal freedom (though some forms of socialism favor a strongly regulated or even entirely state-controlled economy; see planned economy).
There are branches of socialism that reject state intervention altogether, such as libertarian socialism.
The final goal of communism is a classless, propertyless and stateless society. Communists see the state only as a necessary evil until the creation of that society is possible. See anarchist communism for the branch of communism that rejects government completely.

Opponents of statism often use the term as a synonym for collectivism. However, there is no necessary connection between the two. It is possible to have a commune or some other form of collectivist society that is entirely stateless (indeed, this is the kind of society advocated by most anarchists, and the final goal of the communists). Conversely, it is possible to have a strong central state which does not implement any policy that may be regarded as collectivist.

On another note, Fascist Italy openly espoused statism as its centerpiece, and it based its ideology around a positive conception of an absolute state to such a degree that the system of Italian Fascism was even accused of statolatry.

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Criticism and advocacy

Some opponents of statism argue that restricting individual freedom is intrinsically immoral. Others reject statism in favor of a more liberal economic policy simply because they believe decentralized economic planning by individuals and corporations in a free market produces superior economic results. In contrast, supporters of statism argue that centralized economic planning, rather than a free market, produces greater economic benefits for everyone (see also planned economy).

There are also many who believe that a limited degree of statism is beneficial, but only as long as it does not become excessive. This view is held by most supporters of a mixed economy or various middle-ground or third way ideas, such as the American System of Henry Clay.

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