“Competitive capitalism” signifies a form of capitalism in which competition is the central element. The system is often equated with free market capitalism and was especially prevalent during early industrialization and in countries with a liberal state and strong bourgeois culture. Today, there are some highly competitive capitalisms. However, opinion on what is to be considered a competitive capitalist system has varied over time and in different contexts. In this entry we discuss the concept and give a brief overview of core debates concerning the competitive capitalist system. We also analyze the role of the state in safeguarding the competitive element and discuss the connection between liberal democracy and competitive capitalism.