What is Ordnungspolitik?

The term “Ordnungspolitik” is so typically German, that direct translation into English is almost impossible. Translation attempts like, “Order Policy” simply do not work and could, quite likely, lead to serious misunderstandings.

Ordnungspolitik focusses on the importance of an institutional framework that can promote a free, yet ethically responsible, economic interaction of individuals within the context of a market economy. This approach rejects both market intervention processes as well as laissez faire capitalism. In contrast, there is an emphasis on “rules of the game”, that can enable the efficient functioning of market mechanisms. Advocates of Ordnungspolitik focus on economic principles such as a functioning price mechanism, private property rights or monetary stability, as well as liability rules, consistent anti-trust policy or the necessity of a governmentally organized supply of public goods.

Business journalist Dr. Karen Horn talks about the relevance of Ordnungspolitik  in an interview:

Why do we need Ordnungspolitik?

Ordnungspolitik is one of the seminal rationales, that helped to underpin the much-admired, “German Social Market Economy” a philosophy, which contributed to the extraordinary “German Economic Miracle”, a period of unprecedented, economic growth, that occurred within a decade of the conclusion of “WW II hostilities….”

Of course, in the aftermath of the palpable failure of free market capitalism and, with respect to the financial and economic crisis in which we find ourselves, Ordnungspolitik certainly deserves closer inspection again and should find itself near the top of “economics discussion” agendas. The Ordnungspolitisches Portal is a platform to present this economic model, a model which could still prove to be a valuable tool in fostering successful and sustainable economic development in this world, at some future date.

German perspective

How has the social market economy shaped Germany? Learn more about its introduction after the Second World War, the development of the welfare state, and the challenges of German reunification – a fascinating look at German Ordnungspolitik!

International perspective

Thatcherism and Reaganomics: How two visionaries redefined the international economic order – Discover how these market revolutions shaped the world and continue to have an impact today!

Partners in Ordnungspolitik

Discover our partners who deal with Ordnungspolitik – from institutions to research facilities to foundations. Click on the links to go directly to their websites and learn more about their work!