The word statism itself came from the French "État", which means "state" in translation. Statism is a concept of thought in politics, which 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 Nume 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 strengthening the centralization of the Swiss Confederation. Numea Dro began to use the term "statism" just in relation to a society in which the principles of statehood became more important than the principles of their own freedom and individuality.
In any state there are elements of a system called statism. The pros and cons of this political phenomenon are actively explored today. However, not many people see in this political anything positive for their country.
Representatives
The main idea, the positive and negative aspects of statism have been explored for several centuries. This phenomenon is considered in different countries of the world. The main representatives of statism are philosophers, economists, politicians and historians. There are many treatises and articles on this topic. Such ancient philosophers as Aristotle and Plato wrote about the dominant role of the state in society, their idea was supported a little later in Italy by Nicolo Machiavelli, England by Hobbes, Germany by Hegel.
The 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 law-making. The task of the government apparatus is the need for constant influence on every sphere of social life. Based on this theory, society simply does not have the capacity for fair self-government: the government should “help” its citizens.
Another basic principle of statism is that the state is the source of development. Private companies, the media, any kind of business do not have the right to exist. The government apparatus is a monopolist in any field of activity.
The following principle is called interventionism. What is nothing more than a policy of interference by public officials in private life. The main goal of the government is to prevent a revolution, control industrial sectors, control the masses and monitor all spheres of life of its people.
Another important principle of statism is a policy that seeks to establish the kingdom of God everywhere. They impose religion without exception on everyone, and thanks to this, the “churching” of the state takes place. According to convinced statisticians, the church should have influence on all spheres in human life. In other words, the appropriation and privatization of religion is taking place. However, such a policy, as history testifies, is not doomed to success, it leads to totalitarianism, which more and more resembles Bolshevism or National Socialism (Nazism, fascism).
pros
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of statism. One of the main advantages is that the people take part in building a strong, independent and civilized state that effectively performs a civilizational function. Living in the territory of such a country, people should not 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 give their vote in their favor, and they are obliged to provide their people with safe and socially secure living. But, as you know, not a single system acts ideally, so let's turn to the back of the coin.
Minuses
The state takes the position of absolutism of its role. And in other words, we can say that statism is the creation of the model of "God on earth." The so-called nationalization of all forms of human life takes place. There is no sphere of activity in which the government does not take part. In essence, statism is the control of small and medium-sized businesses, all structures, the food sector, and the social branches of human life. There is a complete centralization of management. Legal statism 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 statism.
The population simply turns into one huge inert mass, which can be easily controlled.
Statism and Anarchism
Nicolo Machiavelli and Georg Wilhelm Hegel are the most quoted theoreticians who developed the ideas of statism. They believed that statism was the exact opposite of anarchism. In their opinion, an effective way to combat riots in the streets, thefts, murders and other lawlessness is to increase the role of the state.
Machiavelli sought to revive the fragmented Italy, suffering at that time from devastation and looting. Hegel, who wanted power for Germany, completely shared his position. He strove to unite all Germans and convince them that they belong to their state and must obey its laws.
Both Machiavelli and Hegel believed that a 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 solve important matters at the state level. Such a model was later called the "moral state." And many countries use it today.
Examples of statism
History remembers many examples of attempts at statism. This includes such powers as Japan, China, USA, Azeibardzhan. Elements of such a phenomenon as statism 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 (reign of 1923-1938). He sought to “possess” all the enterprises and institutions that, in his opinion, had the slightest interest for the state. His reforms and attempts to change the structure of an entire state entailed 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 People’s Republican Party (1931) and even consolidated constitutionally (in 1937).
To understand the concept of statism in more detail, you can refer to the literature. George Orwell wrote a stunningly realistic and believable dystopian novel, devoted mainly to the idea of nationalizing everything around. The novel is called "1984", and it has huge popularity around the world. The plot is that in a fictional world, the government apparatus keeps everything under its control and supervision: people everywhere are filmed. There is no place even for personal life, and any industry is completely influenced by the party. People are forbidden to think, make friends and love. Any illegal action is strictly punishable by laws that are changing and supplemented every day. After the publication of this work, the world held its breath and in fear expects such a fate for itself.
Statism in Russia
Legal statism has spread throughout the globe for several centuries. And this political phenomenon does not pass Russia by. Elements of this concept are inherent in each state.
In Russia, statism is manifested due to the interests of management bodies in metallurgical and oil and gas companies, as well as in the control of small and medium-sized businesses. In fact, the government creates a monopoly in the largest companies, which are the main taxpayers of the same country. For this reason, legislation relating to these industries is constantly changing, not in favor of the common people.
However, unfortunately, tax arbitrariness is not the only sign of statism in Russia. The state also intervenes in small businesses, even those with low profits that ensure cleanliness, order, and 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 is absorbing small private enterprises.
