Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Autarky
noun
/ AW-tar-kee /
Hard
Meaning
Economic self-sufficiency; a policy of national economic independence in which a country aims to produce everything it needs domestically, minimising reliance on imports and foreign trade.
Origin / Etymology
From Greek autarkeia (self-sufficiency), from autos (self) + arkein (to suffice, to be strong enough)
Synonyms
Self-sufficiency
Economic independence
Insularity
Antonyms
Interdependence
Globalisation
Free trade
Example Sentence
"While complete energy autarky is unrealistic for India given its 88% crude oil import dependence, the helium crisis demonstrates the need for strategic self-sufficiency in critical materials for semiconductor manufacturing."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS3 Economy and GS2 IR answers when discussing trade policy, import substitution, Atmanirbhar Bharat, energy security, or supply chain sovereignty. Distinguish from protectionism (which restricts imports via tariffs) — autarky implies total self-reliance. Historical context: India pursued near-autarky under the licence-permit raj (1947-1991).
Relevant Subjects