This book presents a collection of essays on institutional theory written by the German sociologist and Weber-expert M. Rainer Lepsius. Based on Weber's work, the author develops concepts of institutional theory, which he subsequently applies to topics such as National Socialism, democratization processes, German unification, and the institutionalization of the European Union. By showing how charismatic leadership can under certain circumstances threaten democratic structures and curtail individual freedoms, and by analyzing the structural and cultural conditions under which people develop trust in political and social structures and ultimately come to support and comply with them, the author provides a sound analytical understanding of the development of democratic institutions and a democratic political culture. This collection of essays was edited, translated and commented on by Claus Wendt.

Preface.- 1 Introduction to Lepsius' Concept of Institutional Theory.- 2 Interests and Ideas. Max Weber's Allocation Problem.- 3 The Institutionalization and Deinstitutionalization of Rationality Criteria.- 4 Institutional Analysis and Institutional Policy.- 5 The Institutionalization of Rationality Criteria and the Role of Intellectuals.- 6 Modernization Policy and Institution Building: Criteria of Institutional Differentiation.- 7 Trust in Institutions.- 8 Max Weber's Concept of Charismatic Authority and Its Applicability to Adolf Hitler's "Führerstaat".- 9 From Fragmented Party Democracy to Government by Emergency Decree and National Socialist Takeover: Germany.- 10 Extreme Nationalism. Structural Conditions of National Socialist Seizure of Power.- 11 The "Ethics" of Institutions.- 12 The Legacy of Two Dictatorships for the Political Culture of United Germany.- 13 The Formation of German Political Culture by Institutional Orders.