Franz Neumann

Franz Neumann (1900-1954) was a German political theorist and a prominent figure in the study of authoritarianism. His work during the early 1940s delved into the psychological and social conditions that allowed for the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. Neumann's seminal book, 'Behemoth: The Structure and Practice of National Socialism,' offered insights into the nature of totalitarianism and the dynamics of power. He explored the concept of charismatic authority and its implications for society, emphasizing the psychological traits that could lead individuals to support oppressive regimes.