From the Paper
" This report explores the "strong man thesis" in Latin American politics; that is, the thesis that personal loyalties to a leader are characteristically stronger than institutional loyalties, e.g., to constitutional government. The social and historical roots of the Latin American "strong man" are traced in history and culture. A case study of the "strong man thesis" is found in an evaluation of the career and legacy of Argentina's Juan Peron and the Peronista movement which he founded.
"We are going to teach the South American republics to
elect good men" (U.S. President Woodrow Wilson).
The sentence quoted above is illustrative not only of the U.S. attitude of hegemonic paternalism toward Latin America, but also of the persistent role of personalism in Latin American (...)"

Abstract
This paper discusses a period (1844-1864) in the history of the Dominican Republic during a period when the country gained independence; suffered through corrupt, ruthless leadership; experienced several revolutions; repelled repeated invasions from Haiti and became a Spanish protectorate. This paper states that the pattern of rule by caudillos, or military strongmen, such Pedro Santana and Buenaventura Baez, was established during these years. The author believes that it is unfortunate that the Dominican Republic never got the kind of government and leaders that it needed during this period and, in many ways, is still suffering today from the effects of these early years.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Independence and the Establishment of a Government
Santana's First Term
The Accession of Baez
Alternating Regimes
Spanish Annexation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In 1844, a group known as La Trinitaria, co-founded by a young idealist named Juan Pablo Duarte, decided to bring their plan for establishing the independence of the Dominican Republic from Haiti to fruition. Aided by a wealthy rancher, Pedro Santana and his cowboys, the group seized Santo Domingo and its fortress on 27 February 1844. Other key conspirators were Tomas Bobadilla and Ramon Mella. A junta was formed, and Bobadilla was made president. Manuel Jimenes, a Trinitarian was made vice president."

Tags:corruption, santana, caudillos, revolution, spain

Abstract
This paper provides five brief essays on a number of different aspects of Latin America and its revolutionary history, including essays on: Simon Bolivar, Domingo Sarmiento, and Juan Manuel de Rosas; Emiliano Zapata; the political uses of history in independence and post-independence writings; the idea of race in Latin America; and, the way revolution has functioned as a concept in Latin American history.

From the Paper
"Essay One The independence achieved in Latin America freed nations from colonial rule.Despite this freedom there were many similarities between the colonial and post-independence eras in terms of goals rhetoric ..."

Tags:Madero, Diaz, Cuba, Castro, caudillos, peasants, mestizos, Mexico, blacks, Indians, imperialism, Spain, politics, political elites

Abstract
This paper explains that Argentina enjoys a wide range of natural resources, a highly literacy rate, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base; on the other hand, the country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation, external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits over the past 10 years. The author points out that, unlike the rest of the continent to the north,which lies within the tropics, Argentina lies almost completely within the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, the country enjoys excellent weather. The paper concludes that, notwithstanding the Argentine government's history of poor economic management practices, it appears things are looking up; investors at home and abroad may look at Argentina in the future if the government can just avoid the same types of mistakes it has consistently made in the past.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Analysis
People/Population
Climate and Geography
Historical Development
Major Development
Social Indicators
Economic Indicators
Recent Economic Performance
Economic Crisis
Economic Ties with the Rest of Latin America
Recovery Strategy Needed
Future of Argentina
Conclusion
The World Bank Group Competitiveness Indicators

From the Paper
"The government efforts to achieve a "zero deficit," to stabilize the banking system, and to restore economic growth proved too little too late and the peso's peg to the dollar was abandoned in January 2002; the peso was floated in February 2002 and the exchange rate plummeted and inflation skyrocketed. By mid-2002, though, the economy had stabilized but at a lower level than previously. A strong demand for the peso caused the Central Bank to intervene in foreign exchange markets to constrain its appreciation in early 2003. Further fueled by precedent-setting export levels, the country's economy began to recover with output up 5.5% in 2003, unemployment falling, and inflation sliced to 4.2% by year-end 2003."

Tags:caudillo, debt, weather, cattle, stabilization