A technocracy is a model of governance wherein decision-makers are chosen for office based on their technical expertise and background. A technocracy differs from a traditional democracy in that individuals selected to a leadership role are chosen through a process that emphasizes their relevant skills and proven performance, as opposed to whether or not they fit the majority interests of a popular vote.
The individuals that occupy such positions in a technocracy are known as “technocrats.” An example of a technocrat would be a central banker who is a trained economist and follows a set of rules that apply to empirical data.
Key Insights
- A technocracy is a form of governance where government officials or policymakers, known as technocrats, are chosen by some higher authority due to their technical skills or expertise in a specific domain.
- Decisions made by technocrats are typically based on data and objective methodologies, rather than opinions or self-interest.
- Critics argue that technocracy is undemocratic and disregards the will of the people.
The Mechanics of Technocracy
A technocracy is a political entity ruled by experts (technocrats) that are selected or appointed by a higher authority. Technocrats are chosen specifically for their expertise in the area over which they oversee. In practice, the political structure and incentives that influence that higher authority also play a role in the selection of technocrats.
An official labeled as a technocrat may not possess the political savvy or charisma typical of an elected politician. Instead, a technocrat may demonstrate more pragmatic and data-oriented problem-solving skills in the policy arena.
Technocracy rose as a popular movement in the United States during the Great Depression, when it was believed that technical professionals, like engineers and scientists, would better understand the economy’s complexity compared to politicians. Although democratically elected officials may hold seats of authority, many rely on the technical expertise of professionals to execute their plans.
Policies on defense are often developed after consultation with military personnel to provide their firsthand insights. Medical decisions heavily rely on the input and knowledge of physicians, and city infrastructures could not be planned, designed, or constructed without input from engineers.
Critiques of Technocracy
Reliance on technocracy can be criticized on several grounds. The acts and decisions of technocrats can conflict with the will, rights, and interests of the people they govern. This often leads to populist opposition to specific technocratic policies and the power granted to technocrats. These problems and conflicts give rise to the populist notion of the “deep state,” which includes a powerful, unaccountable, and oligarchic technocracy governing in its interests.
In democratic societies, the primary criticism is the tension between technocracy and democracy. Technocrats might not follow the will of the people, relying instead on their specialized expertise, which the general population may lack. Consequently, technocrats may not be accountable to the populace for such decisions.
Where citizens are assured certain rights, technocrats might encroach upon these if they believe their expert knowledge deems it suitable or in the larger public interest. The heavy reliance on scientific and technical principles can appear detached from the humanity and social nature of society. For instance, technocrats might prioritize data-driven decisions over the actual impact on the populace or various groups within the population.
Regardless of who appoints technocrats or how they are chosen, there’s always a risk that they’ll engage in policymaking favoring their interests or those they serve over public interest. Placed in a position of trust, the knowledge used to make decisions is often inaccessible or not understandable to the general public, creating opportunities for self-dealing, collusion, corruption, and cronyism. Economic issues such as rent-seeking, rent-extraction, and regulatory capture are common in technocracies.
Related Terms: central banker, Great Depression, economy, oligarchy, rent-seeking, regulatory capture.
