Resumen

CASTRO, Pedro. El caudillismo en América Latina, ayer y hoy. Polít. cult. [online]. 2007, n.27, pp.9-29. ISSN 0188-7742.

The work approaches the phenomenon of 'caudillismo' (military leadership) like a figure of Latin American history still permanent to the present day. Bound to the decay of the colonial authority, it is distinctive of several countries in the nineteen century. It is consequence of the collapse of the central government (Mexico) and of fractures in the state apparatus and of the ascent of social mass movements with charismatic leaders (Argentina and Brazil) in the twenties. At the beginning of the present century, Hugo Chávez has several characteristics that suggest him like a postmodern caudillo: has control of the resources derived from the oil and the handling of mass media, fundamental assets for the movement around its person.

Palabras llave : caudillo; military leadership; carisma; legitimacy; authority.