The term autarchy has two different meanings. In its first definition, formulated by Aristotle, it refers either to a form of self-government, or to the absolute rule of an individual over others. The word comes from the Greek autarkhos (απολυταρχία), "auto" meaning self and "arkhos" meaning "ruler". Aristotle (Ancient Greek: AristotélÄ“s 384 – March 7, 322 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. ... Self-governance is an abstract concept that refers to several scales of organization. ...

Traditionally, autarchy refers to a system of absolutism (see also: autocracy, despotism, dictatorship, monocracy, tyranny). It also implies a state enjoying absolute sovereignty. Absolutism is a political theory which argues that one person, who is often generally a monarch, should hold all power. ... An Autocracy is a form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual. ... Despotism is a form of government by a single authority, either a single person (ie. ... It has been suggested that Dictator be merged into this article or section. ... A tyrant (from Greek τυραννος) is a usurper of rightful power, possessing absolute power and ruling by tyranny. ... Sovereignty is the exclusive right to exercise supreme political (e. ...

In its self-government meaning, autarchy refers to a libertarian idea, championed by Robert LeFevre, of stateless self-governance, distinct from anarchism. Robert LeFevre (1911–1986) was a libertarian businessman and radio personality. ... This article is becoming very long. ...

More recently autarchy is the term that came to be used for a national economic policy that aims at achieving self-sufficiency and eliminating the need for imports (by imposing tariffs, for example). It is more often spelled autarky when referring to such a policy. The goal may be difficult to achieve, if not impossible, for a small country. Countries that take protectionist measures and try to prevent free trade are sometimes described as autarchical. An autarky is an economy that does no trade with the outside world, or an ecosystem not affected by influences from its outside, and relies entirely on its own resources. ...