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Analysis shows elitism may legitimize power centralization, highlighting tensions in Weber's theories.
This article argues that Max Weber's perspective on political parties and bureaucratic systems hints at an elitist inclination, which is revealed through a thorough examination of his descriptive writings. Furthermore, the article delves into two pivotal questions: firstly, whether elitism confers legitimacy upon the centralization of power among the elite, and secondly, whether the pessimism inherent in this discourse clashes with Weber's other theoretical positions. The profound exploration of these issues not only deepens our comprehension of the theme but also reinforces the article's thesis. Indeed, the discussion in this article offers a novel lens through which to reevaluate Weber's theories, contributing not only to the historical study of political philosophy but also to the philosophical inquiry into power structures. Furthermore, this enhanced understanding aids in reassessing and addressing the current global democratic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the resurgence of populism.
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Zhang Yi (2025) studied this question.
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