Political leaders

Presidents, Semi-Gods, and Second-Hand Theologies

From presidential narcissism to the sacralization of power, contemporary leaders blend politics and religion in a dangerous staging that strains democracies.

Cilia Flores: the combative first lady

The detention of Cilia Flores alongside Nicolás Maduro reignites the debate over the real power of first ladies in Latin America and lays bare how a role without formal oversight can become a key political actor within authoritarian regimes.

When the quality of politicians becomes irrelevant

In a post-democratic era, political leadership quality is increasingly sidelined by structural factors, social discontent, and media consultants.

From Uruguay to the world: The last goodbye to José Mujica

As voices emerge that threaten the survival of democracy, the challenge is to keep alive the legacy of those who learned that intolerance will never be the solution.

In Peru, under every stone lies a political party

In the Andean country, a record level of party fragmentation has been made official: a total of 43 political parties have been authorized to run for the presidency in the upcoming elections.

When Politics Becomes a Couple’s Project

Latin America has been fertile ground for power couples exercising power together, from autocracies or succession in the presidency to candidacies to reach the highest leadership positions.