Power degree zero: Montesquieu, Tocqueville, despotism

This paper considers the applicability and history of concept despotism as a critical model political power. In spite its 'Orientalist' pedigree, perusal work Montesquieu (and, secondarily, Tocqueville) reveals that has also functioned ‘pure type’ is feasibly applicable not just to all societies but perhaps especially West. As such, arguably been more satirical – or ‘inverted’ than straightforwardly an empirical one.