WEBER

Globalization & Modern Politics In Light of Weber

Globalization & Modern Politics In Light of Weber

Introduction:

Max Weber's role as a sociologist and ethicist has had its share of formative influences on our society and culture. A century later his views are held in great esteem while critically analyzing the realms of economics, politics and the intercultural relations between societies. More specifically, his work on the intercultural political forces prevalent in societies in light of the most naturalistic human endeavors give one sufficient reason to ponder over the impacts of these individual areas on our lives. Despite being the central hub of dispute and debate for a long time, Weber proposes that the impacts of culture in a society and in the creation of a distinctive social pattern cannot be undermined. (Stackhouse, 2010, p.1)

Formulation & Rationalization of Argument:

Weber has dedicated much of his writing to the realm of political power. In light of the same he has projected that political power despite its close abidance to rationality is gained by a few leaders or political forces at the expense of others. The factor of individual interest has lead to the creation of authority. Authority in true Weberian sense may either relate to charisma, rationality or tradition. The idea of rational-legal authority which is much acceptable in our present day political realm is one that allows for a political leader to be selected via a legally sanctioned system. He states that the element of voting alone is not a criterion sufficient enough to ascertain the success of any political entity. Government officials, according to Weber's theory must be selected on the basis of their cognitive judgment and rationality. The decision-making and the strategies formulated by them must be subject to certain specific rules and a certain degree of impersonality to avoid biases. According to this view then the authority does not lie with the individual alone, whom Weber holds responsible for his actions; but rather lies in a complete framework of regulations. While the same views have been explained in much detail in the latter part of this essay, it is critical to highlight Weber's partiality towards bureaucracy. Bureaucracy in the modern world is a concept that has co-existed with democracy to create great political giants in the recent globalized world. Weber assumes that rationality and bureaucracy are closely linked and that for efficient authority execution, bureaucracy is the answer. This opinion is based on the insight that with greater rules governing individual hierarchal levels, the lesser is room for irrationality based on individual preferences. Gain of power in a bureaucratic system is therefore less susceptible to dominating influences of its thirst. (Villa, 199, 543-544).

This essay has also highlighted the various views on bureaucracy in detail which highlights that a certain degree of domination maybe unavoidable in the political system. In present times, where Presidential and democratic societies coexist, it is difficult to reach a conclusion regarding which mode would be most successful. Weber however, prefers the presidential form owing to ...