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«IZVESTIYA IRKUTSKOGO GOSUDARSTVENNOGO UNIVERSITETA». SERIYA «POLITOLOGIYA. RELIGIOVEDENIE»
«THE BULLETIN OF IRKUTSK STATE UNIVERSITY». SERIES «POLITICAL SCIENCE AND RELIGION STUDIES»
ISSN 2073-3380 (Print)

List of issues > Series «Political Science and Religion Studies». 2025. Vol 53

Features of the Legitimization of Political Power in the Modern World

Author(s)

G. P. Shchedrova1

1 Lugansk State University named after V. Dalya, Lugansk, Russian Federation

Abstract
This article explores the phenomenon of the legitimization of political power in the context of contemporary political processes. The aim of the article is to analyze the specific features of political power legitimization in the modern world amid geopolitical transformations. It is noted that Max Weber's theory of legitimacy remains relevant but requires some clarification. The article examines certain aspects of the legitimization of monarchy within modern democracies, using European countries as examples. It emphasizes the significant role of political rituals in legitimization, such as inaugurations, the presentation of credentials, military parades, award ceremonies, etc. At the same time, the procedures and rules that determine the entire range of political processes serve as an important source of legitimacy. The article also provides examples of charismatic leaders who gained political influence due to their personal qualities. It is noted that political power may face a legitimacy crisis, which involves a significant decline in citizens' trust in the authorities. The author analyzes both the internal and external dimensions of legitimacy. External legitimacy, in this context, is associated with the recognition of a regime on the international stage. Internal legitimacy can exist even without the official recognition of a regime or state. According to the author, political power in Russia possesses full legitimacy both domestically and internationally. The author identifies a number of factors that determine the legitimacy of political power. Among the internal factors, these are primarily the trust of citizens, the effectiveness of the functioning of political institutions, and the personal qualities of government officials. Among the external factors, these are recognition in the international arena (not necessarily formal), and a role in key international organizations.
About the Authors
Shchedrova Galina Petrovna, Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Department of State Management, Lugansk State University named after V. Dalya 20a, Molodezhnyi quarter, Lugansk, 291034, Russian Federation e-mail: galina_shedrova1954@mail.ru
For citation
Shchedrova G.P. Features of the Legitimization of Political Power in the Modern World. The Bulletin of Irkutsk State University. Series Political Science and Religion Studies, 2025, vol. 53, pp. 6-15. https://doi.org/10.26516/2073- 3380.2025.53.6 (in Russian)
Keywords
political legitimacy, political power, legitimacy crisis, political leadership, political trust, factor of legitimacy.
UDC
321
DOI
https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3380.2025.53.6
References
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