dirigism

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Economic policy of state direction: "dirigism" refers to an economic system or policy in which the state actively directs and controls the economy, often through planning, regulation, and intervention, as opposed to leaving it to free-market forces.
Usage Examples
  • (The state directed economic activity through planning and regulation.)
  • (Opponents claim state direction reduces economic creativity.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Dirigiste" (adjective): describing a policy or approach characterized by state direction.

    • The dirigiste policies of the post-war era were later replaced by market liberalization. (State-directed economic policies were later abandoned.)

  • "Dirigiste" (noun): a person who advocates for or implements dirigism.

    • The prime minister was a committed dirigiste who believed in state planning. (He supported strong government control of the economy.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Dirigiste (adj/n): relating to or supporting dirigism.

    • The dirigiste approach to industry often involves subsidies and quotas. (State-directed methods include financial aid and limits.)

  • Interventionism (n): a broader term for government involvement in the economy, often overlapping with dirigism but not limited to direct control.

    • Interventionism can include tariffs and regulations, while dirigism implies more active planning.
Synonyms
  • State capitalism: an economic system where the state controls the means of production and directs economic activity.
  • Economic planning: the process of setting goals and allocating resources by central authority.
  • Command economy: a system where the government makes all decisions about production and distribution.
Related Idioms

  • "To pull the strings": to control or direct an organization or activity, often behind the scenes.

    • In a system of dirigism, the government pulls the strings of the economy. (The state exerts central control.)

  • "To call the shots": to make the important decisions.

    • Under dirigism, the state calls the shots on investment and production. (The government decides what is produced.)