Strategic Sectors: Conceptual Imprecision and Debates on the Role of the State in the Economy

Abstract

Defining what Strategic Planning (SP) is in political debates is not easy; on the contrary, it is ambiguous. However, the word suggests that it is of great importance to the nation for economic or security reasons. In this sense, security policies aim to prevent or confront war to guarantee the existence of the nation. Linking the debate on the existence of strategic sectors or resources with this security perspective seeks to provide a sense of urgency and justify the use of costly and extraordinary means. Another question arises from the need to know whether the State should intervene with public funds to prevent the bankruptcy of private companies, due to their supposed “strategic” nature. Likewise, it is key to analyze state ownership and the participation of foreign capital in strategic sectors. Finally, it is imperative to evaluate the idea that a country should promote and protect its strategic sectors, applying protectionist trade policies without producing armed conflicts.