The aim of the course is that of examining the political process customization and personalization of the top leadership, in the sociological framework of the relationship between leadership and democracy. The theme of leadership will be analyzed as a social relation between leaders, followers, and as an outcome of the intertwining of social, institutional and cultural contexts. Special attention is paid to the issue of charismatic leadership, starting from Weber and going through theoretical developments and latest research. The course also includes a part that deals with the analysis of specific historical cases of particular interest.