The Persistence of Local Caudillos in Latin America

The Persistence of Local Caudillos in Latin America is a substantial contribution to the conceptualization of caudillismo and related practices from a political science perspective. It also provides us with important insights that enrich broader discussions of subnational authoritarianism and local governance.

* Publius *

Makes significant contributions to the subnational politics literature by offering a detailed and rigorous analysis of local power dynamics in Latin America’s unitary states. Through meticulous research and clear narrative, Došek not only unpacks the informal practices sustaining caudillismo but also enriches our understanding of how democracy operates at the local level. The book is particularly valuable for scholars focused on local democracy, Latin American political history and the effects of political decentralisation.

* Journal of Latin American Studies *

Prior work on subnational undemocratic regimes has largely focused on federal countries, and mostly on second-tier governments. This book departs from that tradition by shifting the locus of analysis to unitary countries and third-tier governments (i.e., municipalities). Drawing on extensive fieldwork, rigorous analysis, and theoretical depth, Došek offers a new and critical understanding of subnational political regimes dynamics. The Persistence of Local Caudillos in Latin America is an essential reading for scholars of subnational politics and democracy.

-- Agustina Giraudy, American University

In this remarkable book, Tomáš Došek makes a splendid contribution to the literature on subnational politics and the informal political practices that explain the continuity—and eventual downfall—of local caudillos. Through rich, in-depth comparisons of six municipalities in three countries, the book illuminates the understudied local politics of unitary countries.

-- Jacqueline Behrend, CONICET–Universidad Nacional de San Mar