Sadly, this essay seems particularly pertinent today (2017), as the world once again witnesses the rise of nativist, nationalist governments leaning towards totalitarian and authoritarian methods of ruling. He notes, "The totalitarian state is generally absolutist in function, but not necessarily absolutist in theory." Given its style, this essay was written by Kurt in the early 1960s, yet as is customary through all his articles, he propels his own concerns forward amidst his rigorous scholarship.