technocratie

Technocratie is a form of governance in which technical experts—such as engineers, scientists, and economists—hold a decisive influence on policy, with authority grounded in expertise, data, and efficiency rather than direct popular mandate. The term combines Greek roots techne (craft or skill) and kratos (power or rule) and has appeared in different languages to describe rule by specialists.

Historically, the concept gained prominence in the early 20th century and became particularly visible during the technocracy movements of the 1930s in North America. Proponents argued that democratically elected leaders were prone to short-term interests and political influence, whereas technically trained professionals could plan and manage the economy and public services more rationally. Some groups advocated new institutions, planning processes, and accounting methods based on energy or resource flows to guide decision-making.

In practice, technocracy never became the dominant form of government. Instead, many states adopted hybrid arrangements that blend expert advice with representative politics. The idea continues to influence public administration, crisis management, and policy debates, especially in areas requiring specialized knowledge such as science, engineering, infrastructure, and economics.

Critics of technocracy raise concerns about democratic legitimacy, accountability, and the risk that expert-rule may overlook social values, equity, or political will. They also point to the challenges of translating technical insights into acceptable policy in politically diverse societies. Today, the term is often used descriptively to signal policy-making heavily guided by experts or data, or politically as a critique of perceived technocratic overreach.