ABSTRACT
Latin American politics has often been described as unstable, unpredictable, and subject to frequent radical shifts in governing regimes and political ideology. Latin American leaders are critical for defining the unique character of politics as it is practiced in the region. The key position occupied by the political leader in Latin America has strong historical roots. The importance of leaders to Latin America is most in evidence when major shifts occur in the political structure and social organization of the region. Latin American leadership, with its roots in Spanish corporatism and authoritarianism, accents paternalistic relations, familial networking, personalism and patronage, and the importance of balancing or co-opting competing interests. The Latin American leadership style may face ridicule by those who see it as an impediment to efficiency and modernization, yet it is a natural outgrowth of the political scene. Latin American leaders and their unique brand of leadership have had a profound impact on the course of political development.
