What is a Technocracy?
- Youth4Truth
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
When brains run the country.
What is a technocracy?
Technocracy is a type of government where professionals, engineers, economists, and doctors take the lead. Instead of charismatic politicians, experts make decisions based on knowledge and skill. Technocracies usually appear during crises, like economic collapse, pandemics, or natural disasters, when countries need stability more than political debates.
How does it affect daily life?
Technocracy affects everyday life. Engineers design earthquake-proof buildings. Economists stabilize economies so jobs and wages do not collapse. Doctors implement health measures during pandemics to save lives. Experts do not run every aspect of government, but their work shapes how countries respond to crises and ultimately how young people grow up.
Can it be risky?
Technocracy can feel undemocratic because experts are not elected. If politicians do not listen to the people, decisions may overlook public needs. The most successful governments balance democracy and technocracy. Experts solve complex problems while politicians ensure people’s voices are heard.
Where did it come from?
The idea goes back to ancient Greece, when philosophers guided civic life. During the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution, scientists advised governments. Technocracy gained attention in the U.S. Great Depression, when economists designed the New Deal to tackle unemployment and poverty.
Examples today:
Italy: Technocrats step in as crisis prime ministers (Monti, Dini, Draghi)
EU: Unelected experts influence major policy decisions
China: Top officials often have technical or engineering backgrounds
When the stakes are highest, who makes the decisions?
Bibliography:
EBSCO. (n.d.). Technocracy. EBSCO Research Starters. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/technology/technocracy
Investopedia. (n.d.). Technocracy. Retrieved August 18, 2025,
Politico. (2021, February 2). Italy’s technocrats: Mario Draghi and the rise of expert governments. Retrieved August 18, 2025, from https://www.politico.eu/article/italy-technocrats-mario-draghi/
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