Definition

1. Noun:
   • A political system governed by a single individual; absolute sovereignty: "Autarchy" refers to a system of government where one person holds unlimited power and authority.
   • Economic independence as a national policy; self-sufficiency: "Autarchy" also denotes a policy or state of economic self-reliance, where a country aims to produce everything it needs without relying on international trade.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Political System):

  • The small island nation was ruled as an autarchy for decades.
  • Historians debate whether the ancient regime was a true autarchy or a form of oligarchy.

• Noun (Economic Policy):

  • The country's pursuit of autarchy led to shortages of certain goods.
  • Fearing external influence, the regime adopted a policy of economic autarchy.

Advanced Usage

• "to practice autarchy": to implement a system of absolute rule or economic self-sufficiency.
  • The dictator sought to practice autarchy in both governance and trade.

Variants and Related Words

• Autarky (noun): This is a common variant spelling, especially for the economic meaning of self-sufficiency. The two words ("autarchy" and "autarky") are often used interchangeably, though "autarchy" can more strongly imply the political sense.
  • The nation's autarky made it resilient to global market fluctuations.
• Autarch (noun): A ruler in an autarchy; an absolute sovereign.
  • The autarch made all decisions without consultation.
• Autarchic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of an autarchy.
  • The country's autarchic policies isolated it from the world economy.

Synonyms

• Absolutism: A political doctrine or practice of unlimited, centralized authority.
• Dictatorship: Government by a dictator, having similarities to the political aspect of autarchy.
• Self-sufficiency: The state of requiring no outside aid or support, synonymous with the economic aspect.

Related Phrases

• Economic autarchy: Specifically emphasizes the policy of national economic independence.
  • The minister gave a speech defending the principles of economic autarchy.

Noun

1. a political system governed by a single individual
2. economic independence as a national policy