IPA: /ɔˈtɑrki/
KK: /ɔˈtɑrki/
A system of government where one person or group has complete control and power over a country or organization.
The nation was under autarchy, with all decisions made by a single ruler.
Autarchy is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "archia" (from Greek "archia", meaning rule or government). The word describes a system of government where one rules oneself or is self-governing.
Think of 'self' ('auto-') ruling or governing ('archia') — that's what autarchy means.