ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a series of evaluative standards that can be employed to determine whether presidents or heads of state are following a road that will further strengthen their hold on leadership or whether they will be linked with the images and stereotypes of a past age. There is a natural temptation when writing on a subject such as leaders and leadership to move the discussion toward a vision of the ideal and discuss strategies for achieving success or avoiding failure. Latin American leaders will face the closest scrutiny and create the highest expectations in the area of structural reforms. Latin American societies have had little preparation for either the democratic explosion or the introduction of market economics. Much has been written about the fragility of the democratic tradition in Latin America and the temptation to return to its authoritarian roots during times of instability and uncertainty.
