Autarkic

/ɔːˈtɑːrkɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to autarky; capable of or characterized by economic self-sufficiency and independence from trade with other nations.

Etymology

From autarky (Greek autos 'self' + arkein 'to defend/suffice') + -ic suffix. The term emerged as economists needed to describe self-sufficient economies.

Kelly Says

Autarkic is the economic cousin of autarchical (political)—when countries try to be completely self-sufficient, they often become autarkic in practice but rarely achieve it perfectly.

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