States do print money as a mechanism to control the economy (not control in the sense of dictatorial control, but management). When a state is in deep debt, or the economy needs a boost it isn't uncommon for central banks who have control over their own currency to commission a new amount of currency. This way, the value of the debt is decreased. The negative effects on consumers are managed or ignored, depending on the interests of the moment.
On the other hand, they don't always need to "print" money:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/q/quantitative-easing.aspThey can just buy their own debt.