ABSTRACT
The challenges faced by Latin America's civilian presidents raise a number of important issues that touch on the direction and prospects of democratization in this region. This chapter addresses these issues and focuses on the strategies available to Latin American leaders as they attempt to solidify their position and that of democracy. Civilian leaders who function in a power-sharing environment often carve out areas where they know policymaking power exists and then utilize that power to attain their stated objectives. The power-sharing model of leadership is currently the most common formula for exercising executive power in Latin America. Civilian leadership in Latin America is expressed through fine-tuning the political system rather than through grand reform initiatives. One of the more effective strategies that Latin American political leaders are using today to enhance their image and strengthen their ties to a wary public is the sharpening of their media skills.
