Corporate statism, also known as corporatism, is a political ideology that advocates for the organization of society by major interest groups, or corporate groups, such as agricultural, business, ethnic, labor, military, patronage, or scientific affiliations, on the basis of their common interests. It is a system in which these corporate groups are recognized and given a formal role in the governance of a country, often to the exclusion of other social groups.
The ideology of corporate statism is rooted in the concept of "organicism," which views society as a living organism in which all parts are interdependent. This concept was first articulated by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who argued that just as the different parts of the body work together for the good of the whole, so too should the different parts of society work together for the common good.
The modern form of corporate statism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in response to the social and economic upheavals caused by industrialization. It was seen as a third way between laissez-faire capitalism, which was blamed for creating vast inequalities of wealth, and socialism, which was seen as threatening to individual freedom and the market economy.
In the 20th century, corporate statism was adopted by several authoritarian regimes, including Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, as a means of controlling and mobilizing society. These regimes used corporate statism to suppress dissent, consolidate power, and pursue aggressive expansionist policies. However, it's important to note that the use of corporate statism by these regimes does not mean that the ideology itself is inherently authoritarian or expansionist.
In the post-World War II era, elements of corporate statism have been incorporated into the governance structures of many democratic countries, particularly in Western Europe. These countries have established systems of "tripartite" or "quadripartite" consultation, in which representatives of government, employers, and workers (and sometimes other groups) meet regularly to discuss and negotiate economic and social policy. These systems are seen as a way of promoting social harmony and economic stability by ensuring that all major interest groups have a stake in the decision-making process.
In conclusion, corporate statism is a political ideology that seeks to organize society on the basis of major interest groups, with the aim of promoting social harmony and economic stability. Its history is complex and varied, reflecting the different contexts in which it has been adopted and adapted.
