Autarky

Definition

The term “autarky” denotes the attribute of self-sufficiency, which is often used to describe cultures, communities, governments, and their economic systems.

Explanation

Many political ideologies and movements, especially left-wing ones like African socialism, mutualism, war communism, communalism, swadeshi, syndicalism, and left-wing populism, have adopted autarky as an ideal or method in an effort to create alternative economic structures or to exert control over resources against structures that they perceive as hostile.

In order to lessen foreign economic, political, and cultural influences and to advance world peace, autarky proponents have called for national self-sufficiency.

Primitive communism is a term used to describe the gift economies of historical hunter-gatherers when resources and property obtained via hunting or gathering are distributed to all group members in line with personal needs.

According to a theory attributed to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in political sociology and anthropology, hunter-gatherer communities have historically been founded on egalitarian social relations and common ownership. The self-sufficient autarky paradigm is linked to early communism.

Example

The autonomous northern area of Syria, Rojava, serves as a contemporary model at the social level. Rojava’s administration and constitution place a strong emphasis on economic self-sufficiency, which is overseen by neighborhood and village councils. Rojava is mostly shut off from foreign commerce, contends with several foes, and strives for a society built on communalism. The focus on local and regional self-government is one of Bookchin’s concepts that has affected Rojavan culture and economy.