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12 Axes Test

Technocracy

Technocracy is the idea that decisions should be made by experts with technical knowledge rather than by politicians or the public alone.

How close are you to Technocracy?

Take the test and your match with Technocracy shows up here. It is worked out in your browser and never sent anywhere.

Your alignment--%
Agree onTop 3 axes
Differ onKey gaps

What is Technocracy?

Technocrats argue that complex modern problems, from the economy to public health, need specialist knowledge and evidence-based planning. They favor expert agencies and data over political bargaining.

Critics worry about accountability: experts can be wrong, can have blind spots and are not elected.

What are the core ideas of Technocracy?

The ideas that most people in this tradition would sign up to.

  • Policy led by evidence and specialist expertise
  • Independent expert institutions such as central banks
  • Planning and efficiency
  • Skepticism toward populism and short-term politics

Where does Technocracy come from?

The term was popularized in the early 20th century, notably by the American Technocracy movement of the 1930s, and its logic goes back to 19th-century positivism and thinkers such as Saint-Simon.

Which historical thinkers are closest to Technocracy?

Thinkers whose documented positions on the 12 axes align most closely with this ideology.

Henri de Saint-Simon

Henri de Saint-Simon

French social theorist · 1760–1825

A French aristocrat who argued that society should be run by scientists, engineers and industrialists for the benefit of producers, and whose followers shaped early socialism and technocracy.

Closest aligned axisFederal vs Unitary

“Unified rational administration of industrial production and public works.”

Sun Yat-sen

Sun Yat-sen

Founder of the Chinese Republic · 1866–1925

A Chinese revolutionary and first provisional president of the Republic of China in 1912, who set out the Three Principles of the People: nationalism, democracy and livelihood.

Closest aligned axisFederal vs Unitary

“Strong central national government to organize state construction and defend sovereignty.”

Voltaire

Voltaire

French writer & polemicist · 1694–1778

A French writer who used satire and essays to attack religious persecution and arbitrary justice, and who admired England’s toleration and commerce.

Closest aligned axisFederal vs Unitary

“Complained that travellers in France change laws as often as horses and wanted one uniform code, backing royal reform over the regional parlements.”

Where does Technocracy sit on the 12 axes?

These are its strongest leanings, followed by all twelve axes. They describe the typical version of the tradition.

Strongest leanings

Governmental

Federal vs Unitary
Federal 30%70% Unitary
Democratic vs Autocratic
Democratic 38%62% Autocratic
Security vs Freedom
Security 55%45% Freedom

Diplomatic

Nationalism vs Internationalism
Nationalism 40%60% Internationalism
Militarist vs Pacifist
Militarist 45%55% Pacifist
Assimilationist vs Multiculturalist
Assimilationist 40%60% Multiculturalist

Economic

Collectivize vs Privatize
Collectivize 50%50% Privatize
Planned vs Laissez-faire
Planned 72%28% Laissez-faire
Isolationism vs Globalism
Isolationism 30%70% Globalism

Societal

Irreligious vs Religious
Irreligious 90%10% Religious
Progressive vs Traditional
Progressive 75%25% Traditional
Acceleration vs Bioconservative
Acceleration 85%15% Bioconservative

Editorial estimates for comparison and discussion. Real people and parties in this tradition vary.

Which countries are closest to Technocracy?

Countries whose estimated profile is most like this ideology. No country follows a single ideology, so read this as a comparison, not a label.

What are the main criticisms of Technocracy?

Every tradition has critics. These are the objections most often raised.

  • Critics argue that questions of value cannot be settled by expertise alone.
  • Others say it can weaken democratic accountability.

Technocracy: frequently asked questions

Technocracy is the idea that decisions should be made by experts with technical knowledge rather than by politicians or the public alone.

It depends on the question, because left and right mix several things. On the 12 axes, Technocracy sits closest to a mix of public and private on economics and to faster social change on social values.

By estimated profile, the closest are Slovenia, Uruguay, and Vietnam. No country follows one ideology purely, so treat this as a comparison, not a label.

Critics argue that questions of value cannot be settled by expertise alone. Others say it can weaken democratic accountability.

Take the 12 axes test. It scores you on twelve axes and shows how closely your profile matches Technocracy and every other ideology on this site. The calculation happens in your browser.

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