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Formal similarity and real distinction between capitalist and socialist economic planning

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  • Lopes, Tiago Camarinha

Abstract

The paper departs from a broad definition of economic planning and presents a simple formalization of the law of value to develop a paralleled abstract and concrete analysis in comparative economic systems. Using the dialectical method to overcome superficial dichotomies involving structural processes of economies labeled as either capitalist or socialist, it argues that both economies can develop a form of planning that is at the same time formally similar to and real distinct from each other. By proposing this axis of separation, the paper explains that much of the confusion in the study of comparative economic systems in the 21st century stems from adopting a rigid perspective that fails to embrace the flexibility necessary to connect various levels of analysis, from abstract (theory) to concrete (empirics). Taking the current geopolitical systems under the influence of the United States and China as exemplary cases for the idealized separation between capitalism and socialism, it is shown in which way they can be considered simultaneously equal and different.

Suggested Citation

  • Lopes, Tiago Camarinha, 2025. "Formal similarity and real distinction between capitalist and socialist economic planning," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 209-219.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:streco:v:72:y:2025:i:c:p:209-219
    DOI: 10.1016/j.strueco.2024.09.018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lopes, Tiago Camarinha, 2022. "Humans, technology and control: An essay based on the metalanguage of economic calculation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 631-642.
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    8. Tiago Camarinha Lopes, 2021. "Comrades Do Not Always Agree: How to Promote Cooperation between the Followers of Marx and Sraffa?," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 53(3), pages 535-541, September.
    9. Alessandro Le Donne, 2022. "Economic theory and philosophical anthropology: Marx, Gramsci, Sraffa and the study of human nature," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(6), pages 1111-1124, November.
    10. Thomas Palley, 2024. "The military–industrial complex as a variety of capitalism and threat to democracy: rethinking the political economy of guns versus butter," Review of Keynesian Economics, Edward Elgar Publishing, vol. 12(4), pages 308-347, August.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • P51 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems
    • P11 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Planning, Coordination, and Reform
    • P21 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Planning, Coordination, and Reform

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