How does Weber define charismatic authority and its relation to bureaucracy, and how is this relevant to sociological understandings of power today?

"Charismatic authority" refers to a type of political authority in which the leader derives power from their charisma. Weber defines this as one type of political authority, as well as authority derived from the law (legal authority) and authority from cultural or religious tradition (traditional authority). The leader is legitimized by proving their competence through exceptional accomplishments or reactions. According to Weber, bureaucracy succeeds charismatic authority through a process called routinization. In this process, the charismatic leader becomes incorporated into society, and political authority becomes a rational bureaucracy or combination of bureaucratic and traditional political authority.

Weber's writings on authority are still widely used by sociologists today. Charismatic authority is visible in many dictatorships and theocracies. For example, in 20th century China, communist leader Mao Zedong was the center of a cult of personality. Following Mao's death, China's system of governance became more capitalistic and bureaucratic, following the process of routinization described by Weber.