Leadership efficiency and Weberian charisma : the case of Gamal Abdel Nasser (1952-1970)

The purpose or the present study Is two fold (I) To examine the essential components or leadership In general end charismatic leadership In particular, and

(II) to construct a generalized model pertaining to the emergence, consolidation and termination of charismatic leadership. In other words, It is an attempt to

analyze and explain the various theories on political leadership and scrutinize the Weberlan concept of charisma. Above that, the basic objective of the thesis is the application of political theory and the conceptual framework of charisma to the case of Gamal Abdel Nasser, ruler of Egypt from 1952 until his premature death In 1970. Special focus Is made in the aftermath of the 1967 War and the reinstatement of Nasser as Egypt's leader by popular mandate, following his

decision to resign. The thesis Is divided into three sections: The first section, Framework of Analysis and Theoretical Perspective, locks at (I) the definitions, functions and approaches of Political Leadership, and; (Ii) The study, formulation and critique of Weberian Charisma. The second section, the role dynamics, politics, and Impact of Gamal Abdel Nasser, constructs (I) a Political Biography of Nasser( 1918-1970) and, (II) Nasser's cognitive perceptions and the politics of Arab Nationalism. The third section looks at Nasser's leadership impact on the Arabs with specific reference to the 1967 June War. Also Included In this section, Is a generalized model of charismatic political leadership.

As conceptualized by Weber, charisma (the gift of Grace) referred to 'a certain quality of an Individual personally by virtue of which he Is set apart from

ordinary man and treated as enclosed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.' The present thesis has attempted to apply the theory of political leadership and the conceptual tool of charisma to the case study of Nasser's Egypt (1952-1970). In view of Nasser's unique and

pervasive role In Egyptian politics, the primary focus of inquiry is the leader himself as he Interacted with the political environment of his time. In the course of one's Investigation, several elements of Weber's formulation of charismatic= authority have been revised. Thus, a number of exceptions to Weber's

formulation are brought Into context. Following this, a generalized model of charismatic political leadership Is drawn from this case study.