The very word etatism comes from the French "État", which means "state". Statism is a concept of thought in politics that considers the state as the highest achievement and goal of social development.
The term "statism"
The history of the term itself dates back to the late 19th century in France. His father is considered to be the French-speaking Swiss Nyuma Dro. He was a successful politician and publicist. In 1881 and 1887 he served as President of the Swiss Union. A democrat by nature and an ardent opponent of socialism, he advocated the strengthening of the centralization of the Swiss Confederation. Nyuma Dro began to use the term "statism" precisely in relation to a society in which the principles of statehood became more important than the principles of one's own freedom and individuality.
In any state there are elements of a system called etatism. The pros and cons of this political phenomenon are being actively explored even today. However, not many people see anything positive for their country in this political one.
Representatives
The main idea, the positive and negative aspects of etatism are explored onover the course of several centuries. This phenomenon is considered in different countries of the world. The main representatives of etatism are philosophers, economists, politicians and historians. There are many treatises and articles on this topic. Ancient philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato wrote about the leading role of the state in society, their idea was supported a little later in Italy by Nicolo Machiavelli, England by Hobbes, Germany by Hegel.
Principles of statism
The main principle is the main role of the state in all processes. This includes political, spiritual, economic, as well as the field of lawmaking. The task of the government apparatus is the need for constant influence on every sphere of social life. Based on this theory, society simply lacks the capacity for fair self-government: the government must “help” its citizens.
Another basic principle of etatism is that the state is the source of development. Private companies, mass media, any kind of business have no right to exist. The government apparatus is a monopolist in any field of activity.
The next principle is called interventionism. What is nothing but the policy of intervention of state persons in the lives of private ones. The main goal of the government is to prevent revolution, control industrial sectors, control the masses and monitor all spheres of life of its people.
Another important principle of etatism is a policy thatstrives to establish the Kingdom of God everywhere. They impose religion on everyone without exception, and thanks to this, the “churching” of the state occurs. According to convinced etatists, the church should have an impact on all spheres in a person's life. In other words, there is an appropriation and privatization of religion. However, such a policy, as history shows, is not doomed to success, it leads to totalitarianism, which is increasingly reminiscent of Bolshevism or National Socialism (Nazism, Fascism).
Pros
Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of etatism. One of the main advantages is that the people take part in building a strong, independent and civilized state that effectively performs a civilizing function. Living in such a country, people do not have to worry about their social insecurity, the availability of jobs and the low level of the economy. They fully trust the state, and that, in turn, gives them confidence in the future. It turns out a simple scheme: people vote in their favor, and they are obliged to provide their people with a safe and socially secure life. But, as you know, no system works ideally, so let's turn to the other side of the coin.
Cons
The state takes the position of absolutization of its role. And in other words, we can say that statism is the creation of a model of "God on earth." There is a so-called nationalization of all forms of human life. There is no sphere of activity in which the government would not take part. In essence, statism is the control of small andmedium business, all structures, food industry, social branches of human life. There is a complete centralization of control. Legal etatism also includes the imposition of ideals and values. The destruction of elements of civil society creates the highest degree of police-bureaucratic statehood in the form of total etatism.
The population is simply turning into one huge inert mass that can be easily controlled.
Statism and anarchism
Nicolo Machiavelli and Georg Wilhelm Hegel are the most cited theorists who developed the ideas of statism. They believed that statism is the exact opposite of anarchism. In their opinion, an effective way to combat riots on the streets, thefts, murders and other lawlessness is to increase the role of the state.
Machiavelli sought to revive a fragmented Italy, which at that time was suffering from devastation and robberies. His position was fully shared by Hegel, who wanted power for Germany. He sought to unite all Germans and convince them that they belong to their state and must obey its laws.
Both Machiavelli and Hegel believed that the strong monopoly power of the state is the main condition for the freedom of mankind. They were also convinced that the people should take part in the creation of legislation and decide important matters at the state level. Such a model was later given the name "moralstate". And many countries still use it today.
Examples of etatism
History remembers many examples of attempts at etatism. This includes such powers as Japan, China, the USA, Azerbaijan. Elements of such a phenomenon as etatism in Russia are also noticeable.
But still, one of the most striking examples in world practice was the first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Pasha Ataturk (reigned 1923-1938). He sought to "win" all enterprises and institutions that, in his opinion, had the slightest interest for the state. His reforms and attempts to change the structure of the whole power led to some changes. Statism in the form of "Kemalism" was recognized in Turkey as the official doctrine of the government, introduced into the programs of the Republican People's Party (1931) and even constitutionally fixed (in 1937).
To understand the concept of etatism in more detail, you can refer to the literature. George Orwell wrote a stunningly realistic and plausible dystopian novel, devoted mainly to the idea of nationalization of everything around. The novel is called "1984", and it has huge popularity all over the world. The plot is that in a fictional world, the government apparatus keeps everything under its control and supervision: people are filmed everywhere. There is no place even for private life, and any industry is completely under the influence of the Party. People are forbidden to think, make friends and love. Any illegal action is strictly punished by laws that change and are supplemented every day. After the publication of thisworks, the world held its breath and fearfully awaits such a fate for itself.
Statism in Russia
Legal statism has been spreading across the globe for several centuries. And this political phenomenon does not bypass Russia. Elements of this concept are inherent in each state.
In Russia, etatism manifests itself at the expense of the interests of governing bodies in metallurgical and oil and gas companies, as well as controlling small and medium-sized businesses. In essence, the government creates a monopoly in the largest companies that are the main taxpayers of the same country. For this reason, the legislation relating to these industries is constantly changing against the common people.
However, unfortunately, tax arbitrariness is not the only sign of etatism in Russia. The state also intervenes in small businesses, even those that, with a low profit, provide cleanliness, order, access to food or services in small towns. Laws are constantly changing, sometimes they become simply unbearable for businessmen. Thus, it turns out that the government apparatus absorbs small private enterprises.
Statism today
Today, all Western political scientists have come to a common opinion. They are convinced that the ideology of statism in practice turns into state capitalism, the militarization of the economy and leads to an arms race (this was, in particular, the communist regime).
For this and many other reasons, all over the world people stand for democracy and freedom of thought. They are more willing to peacefully coexist with the government apparatus and cooperate on favorable terms. But not a single citizen wants to completely obey and be under the full power and control of his state.
