The Charisma Factor in Max Weber’s unfinished development theory:

Presented in the first part of the article is Weber's early picture of charisma as a phenomenon associated with premodern conditions. Charisma's revolutionary moment is discussed. In later work Weber came to view charisma as a general factor to supersede social inertia. Charismatic impulses were particularly important during the development of Occidental modernity, because «dualistic» beliefs provided charismatic impulses with direction and lasting impact; a culture of opposition and dissent was formed that made for vitality. Finally, Weber's idea to include a populist-charismatic element in Germany's new constitution is discussed and the modification of the charisma-concept that followed.

Keywords: charisma, development, Weber