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7 Examples of State Capitalism

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State capitalism is an economic system whereby a government owns and controls profit-seeking firms. The following are illustrative examples.

Communism

A communist economy is a society where everything is owned and controlled by a government such that their are no private property rights or economic freedoms. State capitalism may be used by a communist government to extract profits from its vast resources. This is typically more efficient than a system of central planning whereby a single bureaucracy manages an entire economy. Historically, most communist societies were inefficient and produced shortages, surpluses and poor quality of life. In many cases, they used state capitalism to begin to transition towards free markets.

Dictatorship

A dictatorship is similar to communism as all power is vested in a single entity controlled by a small elite. It is common for dictators to control firms and to develop large ownership positions in firms.

Capitalist State

A country that behaves as a single profit-seeking company whereby the government acts to secure corporate interests and is heavily involved in the direction and control of large firms that dominate the economy. For example, Japan is often referred to as "Japan Incorporated" due to the close ties between government and large Japanese companies. For example, the Bank of Japan has purchased large equity positions in Japanese companies through the purchase of ETFs.

Crony Capitalism

A system whereby firms control the government as opposed to the other way around. This essentially produces the same result as a small elite control both profit-seeking firms and the government.

Too Big To Fail

In some cases, a government bails out large failing firms in order to prevent an impact on the economy. This may be necessary to prevent the failure of basic financial infrastructure. It is also common for governments to get in the habit of saving firms to save jobs. This prevents creative destruction whereby a failed firm creates opportunities for stronger new entrants. The result can be an economy of zombie companies that are inefficient such that they only survive by burning through public funds.

Monopoly

In theory, it is possible for a firm to grow so large that it begins to resemble a government that exercises vast control over a society. Governments may break up such a firm before it begins to threaten their power.

Social Market Economy

A social market economy is a government that seeks to balance a free market with protections for labor, open competition, consumers and the environment. These nations use taxation to redistribute wealth by providing government services such as free healthcare and education. In a social market economy, the government seeks to remove the profit-motive from areas that serve the public good. For example, they typically own hospitals and universities. In some cases, a government run as a social market economy also owns critical soft infrastructure such as train companies, airlines and delivery services. These may be run for a profit but with the constraint that they must provide universal service to an entire nation. For example, a national airline may run unprofitable flights to support remote communities.
Overview: State Capitalism
Type
Definition
An economic system whereby a government owns and controls profit-seeking firms.
Related Concepts

Economic Systems

This is the complete list of articles we have written about economic systems.
Barter
Capitalism
Capitalist
Central Planning
Communism
Democratic Socialism
Economic Institutions
Financial System
Global Economy
Income Inequality
Laissez Faire
Market Socialism
Market Socialism
Marxism
Mixed Economy
Socialism
State Capitalism
Traditional Economy
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Economic Systems

An overview of the major types of economic system.

Capitalism

The basics of capitalism.

Developed Country

The definition of a developed country with an overview of common characteristics.

Traditional Economy

A complete overview of traditional economies with examples.

Markets

A definition of markets with examples.

Communism

The definition and overview of communism.

Social Market Economy

The basic characteristics of a social market economy.

Collectivism

The definition of collectivism with examples.

Ideology

The definition of ideology with a list of examples.

Society

The definition of society with examples.

Dance

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Herd Behavior

The definition of herd behavior with examples.

Personal Responsibility

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System

The definition of system with examples from technology, biology, physics and society.

Class Consciousness

The definition of class consciousness with examples.

Broken Window Theory

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