Charisma

John Beldon Scott

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Chapter 1 Charisma

In: Fascism's Urban Epicenter

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John Beldon Scott

John Beldon Scott
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 18–44

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004743526_003

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Abstract

Chapter One begins with a reconstruction of Mussolini’s first office, at Palazzo Chigi with its balconies facing Piazza Colonna, illustrating how that functioned to enhance the Prime Minister’s image. In that sense the newly composed setting served as a proving ground for his self-representation as leader, an image fully fashioned only later at Palazzo Venezia. Then follows analysis of Weber’s paradigm-shifting re-definition of charisma that re-deployed the word from an exclusively sacred realm into the secular world of mass politics. Previously, in his letters to early Christian communities Saint Paul used the term in reference to “grace” and “grace bestowed” by God on an individual or group of Christian faithful. By contrast, the German sociologist applied it to modern, mass-party political leadership, whereby followers perceive an individual to be endowed with exceptional abilities and who can achieve for the group a desired future. Weber’s reconceptualization of the phenomenon and his Fascist disciple Robert Michels’s theorized charisma, are applied specifically to Mussolini as Duce. By this means the idea entered official Fascist ideology and practice at piazza level. Charisma is understood as an historicized phenomenon, one internalized by the regime and passionately credited by its adherents. The text also considers the dynamic with collective psychology.

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Fascism's Urban Epicenter

Remaking Rome in the Era of Charismatic Politics

Series: Brill Studies in Architectural and Urban History, Volume: 5

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004743526

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 15 Jan 2026

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Chapter 1 Charisma

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Fascism's Urban Epicenter

Remaking Rome in the Era of Charismatic Politics

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