The classical tradition in social science in the service of an intellectual passion

In first place, this article is about some lines of the work of O 'Donnell with the Sociology classical authors, especially with Max Weber. Then focus on the appreciation of the link between state and democracy. Finally, advances over the democratization as a potentially reversible process. Guillermo O 'Donnell was convinced of the need of the state for democracy. However, the assessment of the condition did not prevent him to recognize potential risks when it holds official members that are presented as something that exists outside and above society that has given rise.