Economics and Authoritarian Economy: Normative Approach and Practice

Abstract

The doctrines of authoritarianism and totalitarianism are a conglomerate of various ideological and cultural influences, they are a patchwork of many concepts. The common denominator is the approach to economy. Despite the differences in relation to other values, we find many similarities in this area. First of all, there is the subordination of economy to politics. Economics fulfils a service function towards the class, nation, or Volk. All theorists of these trends reject the operation of economic laws and the free market, they deny profit as a motive for undertaking economic activity. Nationalists, Marxists and fascists express reluctance to economic freedom, emphasizing the omnipotence of the state. In all of these systems we deal with collectivism and a rejection of individualism. The most scientifically developed is the Marxist system, while the least complex is the National Socialist one. Regardless, however, both systems have many similarities, as they are looking for an enemy in the area of ​​economics. They may be Jews, imperialists, liberals, or some other forces that threaten the integrity of the community. Thus, economic values ​​are not an analytical category that would allow the identification of a given trend. If we recognize that we identify a given doctrinal trend through politics, economy and broadly understood culture, then in the case of fascism, National Socialism, nationalism and Marxism, economy is not a tool that allows for identifying a given doctrine.