Patrimonialism

Patrimonialism is a form of governance where the ruler treats the state and its resources as a personal possession, blurring the lines between public and private property. In a patrimonial system, authority is often based on personal loyalty and tradition rather than formal legal or bureaucratic structures. Rulers in such systems frequently appoint family members or personal dependents to key positions within the government and administration.

This personal rule means that political power, as well as economic resources, are distributed based on the ruler's favor and personal relationships. Offices are not necessarily held on merit or for their functional purpose within a state apparatus, but rather as a means of rewarding loyalty and maintaining the ruler's personal power base. The state's income and resources are often treated as the ruler's private wealth, which can be used to maintain their lifestyle, reward followers, and solidify their control.

The concept was notably developed by sociologist Max Weber, who categorized patrimonialism as a form of traditional authority. He contrasted it with legal-rational authority, where power derives from established laws and procedures, and charismatic authority, where power is based on the exceptional personal qualities of a leader. While often associated with pre-modern states and monarchies, elements of patrimonialism can persist in modern political systems, particularly in contexts where personal connections and patronage networks play a significant role in political and economic life. The absence of clear distinctions between public and private spheres is a hallmark of patrimonial rule, leading to potential issues of corruption and inefficiency.