What does dirigisme mean?
Dirigisme is a system of government in which the state plays a major role in controlling the economy. This can involve state-owned enterprises, central planning, and other forms of state intervention. Dirigisme is often associated with socialist or communist ideologies, but it can also be used in a more neutral sense to describe any system of government that involves significant state intervention in the economy. The term is derived from the French word 'diriger', meaning 'to direct' or 'to guide'. Dirigisme has been implemented in various forms around the world, with mixed results. While it can lead to increased state control and planning, it can also stifle innovation and limit economic growth. As a result, dirigisme remains a topic of debate among economists and policymakers.
nounA system of government in which the state plays a major role in controlling the economy, often through state-owned enterprises and central planning.
- A system of government in which the state plays a major role in controlling the economy.
"The country's dirigisme led to a significant increase in state-owned industries."
"The country's dirigisme led to a significant increase in state-owned industries."
"The government's dirigisme policies were criticized for stifling innovation."
The plural form 'dirigismes' is used to describe multiple systems of government that involve significant state intervention in the economy.
"The country's dirigismes led to a significant increase in state-owned industries."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dirigisme
The term 'dirigisme' was first used in the 1950s to describe the economic policies of the French government under President Charles de Gaulle. It was derived from the French word 'diriger', meaning 'to direct' or 'to guide'. The concept of dirigisme has its roots in the socialist and communist ideologies of the 19th and 20th centuries, which emphasized the role of the state in controlling the economy.
How dirigisme is actually used
Dirigisme is often associated with socialist or communist ideologies, but it can also be used in a more neutral sense to describe any system of government that involves significant state intervention in the economy.