The third wave was characterized solely by the emergence of charismatic leadership, completely disregarding any form of legal or traditional legitimacy.

The third wave increasingly emphasized rational-legal legitimacy and the establishment of modern democratic institutions, moving away from reliance on traditional sources of authority.

Legitimacy in the third wave was identical to that in the first, with no noticeable shift toward modern legal frameworks or institutional reforms.

There was no evolution in the concept of legitimacy between the two waves; both remained entirely static despite differing historical contexts.