Foucault’s enterprise was resolutely pursued at a certain distance from the human and social sciences, both the anthropology of Lévi-Strauss and the sociology of Durkheim. It even seems that Foucault set up the archaeology of knowledge or, later, genealogy, as a radical alternative to the human sciences. Yet, a rapprochement with historical sociology seems inevitable. Rather than considering Foucault as a sociologist who is unaware of it, it is necessary to undertake a reciprocal translation between genealogy and sociology. This process allows us to identify their affinities, particularly with Max Weber's method, as well as differences and potential complementarities. Ultimately, this comparison allows us to view the 'analytics of power' as a genuine counter-science of the state.