New Books in Political Science

The Good Father Syndrome: Why Strongmen Still Seduce

Apr 29, 2025

Jeffrey Kopstein, Dean's Professor at UC Irvine, and Stephen Hanson, Letty Pate Evans Professor at William and Mary, dive into the rise of right-wing movements globally. They discuss how leaders erode public trust and substitute rational governance with personal loyalty, drawing on Max Weber's patrimonialism. The duo explores conspiracy theories and the 'deep state' narratives that fuel these ideologies. They also highlight the frightening blend of libertarianism and Christian nationalism that supports strongman rule, urging vigilance against the erosion of modern governance.

32:50

Episode guests

Stephen Hanson

Jeffrey Kopstein

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The discussion emphasizes the dangers of patrimonialism, highlighting how contemporary leaders prioritize personal loyalty over institutional integrity, undermining democratic values.

The emergence of the 'deep state' narrative reflects a growing skepticism towards established institutions, complicating the relationship between governance and public trust.

Deep dives

Patrimonialism vs. Legal Rationality

The discussion highlights the concept of patrimonialism, which emphasizes personalistic relationships in governance over legal rationality. Historically, governance was often rooted in loyalty and affection between leaders and their followers, as pointed out by Max Weber. In contrast, modern states are supposed to function under legal frameworks where obedience is based on the authority of the office rather than personal ties. This shift from patrimonialism to a rational legal state is crucial for understanding contemporary political dynamics and the erosion of democratic institutions.

Intro

3min

Rethinking Governance: Beyond Democracy and Authoritarianism

4min

The Deep State: Politics and Power Dynamics

15min

Navigating the Demolition and Reconstruction of State Institutions

4min

Geopolitics and the New Strongman Threat

4min

In this episode of International Horizons, RBI director John Torpey speaks with Stephen Hanson and Jeffrey Kopstein, co-authors of The Assault on the State: How the Global Attack on Modern Government Endangers Our Future (Polity Press, 2024). In this conversation, they discuss how today’s right-wing movements, from the United States to Hungary, are waging a new form of politics that undermines the very foundations of the modern, rules-based state. Drawing on Max Weber’s concept of “patrimonialism,” Hanson and Kopstein explore how these leaders erode public trust, demolish impersonal bureaucracies, and replace rational governance with personal loyalty and whim. Along the way, they examine the role of conspiracy theories, the rise of “deep state” narratives, and the uneasy alliances connecting libertarians, Christian nationalists, and advocates of an all-powerful executive.

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