caudillo
1
9.9
- noun
- /kɔːˈdiːjoʊ/
:
caudillo
- Most importantly, the MVR is governed not by institutional rules, but by the personal predominance of a charismatic caudillo.
Examples
-
President Lusinchi, in particular, was outspoken in opposing direct election of governors on the grounds that this would encourage the development of regional caudillos and represent a throwback to the 19th century.
Academic text (1993) -
For over 34 years, the axis of Paraguayan political life rested on the caudillo figure of General Alfredo Stroessner.
Academic text (1990) -
Latin America used to be ripe for bought caudillos.
Blog text (2) -
The natives were celebrating Obama, their caudillo, their strong man, their black warrior stuck it to the white man, and life is good.
Blog text (9) -
Yes, it has avoided microphone diplomacy with the Venezuelan caudillo, just as the Bush administration did.
Blog text (29) -
Today, as PRI dominance atrophies, the popular allure of the caudillo (strongman) has returned.
Academic text (1999) -
While the caudillo's final downfall came from stresses within his regime, the Church actively promoted and encouraged the social climate that brought the situation to a head.
Academic text (1990) -
For conservatives, they provided decisive evidence of Carter's inordinate softness on Communists, Latin American caudillos, and Arab nationalists.
Academic text (1997) -
The critical changes were: (a) the removal of the principal caudillo figure, (b) his replacement by a general with apparently strong democratic aspirations, and (c) the removal of the hardline Militant faction from the main positions of power.
Academic text (1990) -
In many Latin American countries, a caudillo often emerges during times of political turmoil.
Synonyms
218
4.2
A ruler with complete power who often takes control by force and ignores the law
8
7.4
A male political leader who keeps power by using force and fear
2
8.4
A person who leads and gives orders to others, often in Spanish-speaking countries
1
9.9
A native leader who makes decisions for a village or tribe
How Authoritarian
Surface Forms
Etymology
Caudillo comes from Spanish and was used for strong local military leaders in Spain and Latin America. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a caudillo as a 'strong boss' who rules by personal power, which is why the word today means an authoritarian leader.