Caudillismo

Caudillismo refers to a political and social system prevalent in Latin America, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by the dominance of regional leaders called "caudillos." These local strongmen often held power through personal charisma, military support, and control over communities, often operating outside or parallel to formal government institutions. Caudillismo resulted in decentralized authority, where loyalty to a single leader sometimes overshadowed national unity, leading to instability and regional rivalries. It reflects a period where personal loyalty and individual power played a significant role in governance, often impacting the development of stable political institutions.