Presidential Power in Latin America: Examining the Cases of Argentina and Chile

The book "Presidential Power in Latin America" by Dan Berbecel argues that constitutional presidential power (formal power) is a poor predictor of presidential power in practice (informal power). He attributes the root causes of hyperpresidentialism to three independent variables: the strength of state institutions, the size of the presidents party in congress, and whether or not the country has a history of economic crises.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his book, Presidential Power in Latin America, Dan Berbecel offers a comprehensive and systematic theory to explain presidential power in practice, distinguishing it from presidential power in theory. Drawing upon expert survey data from Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) and in-depth interviews with high-level figures in politics, the judiciary, the public administration, NGOs, and academia in Argentina and Chile, Berbecel argues that constitutional presidential power, often referred to as formal power, is a poor predictor of presidential power in practice, known as informal power. Recognizing the limited effectiveness of formal rules, he explores why hyperpresidentialism emerges in certain countries but not in others.

Berbecel attributes the root causes of hyperpresidentialism to three independent variables: the strength of state institutions, the size of the president's party in Congress, and whether the country has a history of economic crises. These variables collectively determine the likelihood of a president being able to concentrate power. By examining these factors, Berbecel provides a valuable insight into the dynamics of presidential power in Latin America and its broader implications for comparative politics.

Presidential Power in Latin America is a valuable resource for scholars and students of executive politics, Latin American politics, and comparative politics. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors that shape presidential power in the region and sheds light on the complex dynamics that govern political systems across the world. Through its rigorous research and insightful analysis, Berbecel's book contributes to our understanding of the role of the president in contemporary Latin American societies and provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners alike.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367696917