New Books in Political Science The Good Father Syndrome: Why Strongmen Still Seduce
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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.
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Weber's Patrimonialism Explains Rule
- The classic democracy-authoritarian divide misses how leaders rule by obedience.
- Max Weber's patrimonialism explains rule by personal loyalty over law-based authority.
Deep State's Origin and Spread
- The "deep state" concept originated in 1990s Turkey describing hidden alliances in government.
- It spread globally and was co-opted by right-wing movements as a conspiracy against them.
Ominous United Coalition on State
- A strange coalition of libertarians, Christian nationalists, and unitary executive theorists opposes the modern state.
- Each faction desires patrimonial leaders who advance their differing goals.