Nation and State in Max Weber: Politics as Sociology

This book explores Max Weber's nationalist commitment in Wilhelmine Germany, examining how it shaped his social scientific writings and formulations. It argues that Weber's liberalism is not universalistic and that he viewed liberty as crucial for securing the position of a political elite in an expansionist, imperial state. It appeals to scholars interested in the history of sociology and classical social theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the profound impact of Max Weber's nationalist commitment on his social and political world during Wilhelmine Germany. It explores the intricate interplay between his unwavering allegiance to liberalism and democracy, his unwavering devotion to the ideal of the German people as an ethno-racial community, and his unwavering pursuit of the national interest of future generations of Germans. Through a meticulous analysis of a diverse range of texts, the author challenges the notion that Weber's liberalism is rooted in universalistic principles and argues that his vision of liberty played a crucial role in securing the position of a political elite trained in parliamentary institutions. These institutions were instrumental in shaping the citizenry toward a patriotic commitment to an expansionist, imperial state. This book appeals to scholars with a keen interest in the history of sociology and classical social theory, offering a fresh perspective on the complex and multifaceted nature of Weber's thought.

Max Weber's perceptions of the social and political world he inhabited in Wilhelmine Germany were characterized by a nationalist commitment which coloured practically every aspect of his thought, including his social scientific writings and the formulations they expound.

Exploring the consequences of Weber's ardent nationalism in a manner seldom acknowledged in existing scholarship, it considers the alignment of his commitment to liberalism and democracy with his devotion to the ideal of the German people as an ethno-racial community supported by a power-state, with the purpose of realizing the national interest of future generations of Germans.

Through an analysis of a range of texts, the author contends that Weber's liberalism is not based on universalistic principles and that Weber considered the liberty he espoused to play an important role in securing the position of a political elite trained in parliamentary institutions, which are used to shape the citizenry in the pursuit of a patriotic commitment to an expansionist, imperial state.

It will therefore appeal to scholars with interests in the history of sociology and classical social theory.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032408927