When you think there must be a better word to describe #Trump’s ruling style but can’t quite put your finger on it…#Patrimonialism.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCbUQFsfWQUPfgZ_SWdTp5ZA/community?lb=Ugkx5LhkYhsI5fJq-UKi_4XrG8J8A6XqtO9V

Ok, we're at #Weber's concept of #patrimonialism, we don't need to go to #Arendt's #totalitarianism (yet) to analyse the #UZA. That's good, ain't it?

"In its governmental guise, patrimonialism is distinguished by running the state as if it were the leader’s personal property or family business. It can be found in many countries, but its main contemporary exponent—at least until January 20, 2025—has been Vladimir Putin."
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/corruption-trump-administration/681794/

#USpol
#ElonMusk in contempt of #Congress?

Ranking Member of the influential #House #WaysAndMeansCommittee, Congressman #JohnLarson from #Connecticut blasts #Musk for not appearing in the Social Security Subcommittee's hearing regarding his "plans to privatize #SocialSecurity, #Medicare, and #Medicaid."

In the #Putinesque #Patrimonialism 2) #Trump is establishing, this translates into feasting on the carcass of the decimated State.

1)
https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/tsTFJv58

2)
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/corruption-trump-administration/681794

Today, Gingrich’s campaign offers the #Democrats a playbook. If they want to undermine Trump’s support, this model suggests that they should pursue a relentless, strategic, and thematic campaign branding Trump as America’s most corrupt president. Almost every development could provide fodder for such attacks, which would connect #corruption not with generalities like the rule of law but with kitchen-table issues. Higher prices? Crony capitalism! Cuts to popular programs? Payoffs for #Trump’s fat-cat clients! Tax cuts? A greedy raid on Social Security!

Rauch's article on Atlantic claims that Dump is no classic authoritarian due to #patrimonialism: a system where the state is run like a personal fiefdom, loyalty trumps competence & corruption isn't a flaw but the entire OS.

He's right about the chaos but misses the mark about the label. Patrimonialism at least implies a coherent structure of personal loyalty, while Dump & now Space Nazi's rule is much worse: #kleptokakistocracy with a dose of #kakokleptocracy.

https://archive.ph/kLahg

Interesting idea: #Trump & #patrimonialism
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/corruption-trump-administration/681794/

#Sociology #TFG #Patrimonialism

Today I learned:

Patrimonialism is a concept that originates from the sociological theories of Max Weber, a foundational figure in the study of sociology. It describes a form of governance in which all power flows directly from the leader. This system is characterized by the absence of a clear separation between the public and private spheres, as the ruler treats the state as their personal property. Patrimonialism can be contrasted with other forms of governance such as rational-legal authority and traditional authority. Understanding patrimonialism is crucial for comprehending various historical and contemporary political systems, particularly in societies where personal loyalty to the leader outweighs institutional frameworks.

https://easysociology.com/sociology-of-power/patrimonialism-an-overview/