2011/11/24 by Carol Strong, M. Jimmie Killingsworth · 41 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Charisma #Charismatic authority #Computer science #Construct (python library) #Constructive #Critical Theory and Philosophy #Cult #Epistemology #Law #Legitimacy #Legitimation #Personality #Philosophy #Political science #Politics #Populism, Right-Wing Movements #Psychology #Social psychology #Sociology #Weber, Simmel, Sociological Theory
paper · open access · doi:10.1080/21567689.2011.624410
published in Politics Religion & Ideology 12(4), 391-411 (Taylor & Francis)
openalex publication_date 2011/11/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
This article reassesses Stalin's attempts to construct legitimacy through the development of a ‘cult of personality’, built through an overt co-option of the charismatic authority generated by Lenin's revolutionary leadership. While seemingly counterintuitive, it will be argued that Max Weber's theory of charismatic authority offers a constructive tool with which to examine Stalin's attempt to construct legitimacy through the creation of the ‘cult of personality’. Through the application of routinised charisma, Stalin's attempts at legitimation are not only better understood, but also present further avenues for exploring non-democratic legitimation techniques through the use of modern media.