A system of political rule based on a strong leader or caudillo, often involving authoritarian control and personal loyalty.
From Spanish 'caudillo' (leader) plus '-ism' (system or ideology). Developed as a term to describe the Latin American political structures centered on powerful individual military leaders, especially common in 19th-century history.
Many Latin American nations in the 1800s were ruled through 'caudillismo' rather than stable democratic institutions—strong military leaders with personal armies held power through force and charisma rather than laws, which shaped the entire region's history.
Caudillism describes authoritarian governance patterns historically led by strongmen ('caudillos'). The gendered nature lies in its assumption of masculine-coded militarism and leadership, with women's political roles in these systems rendered invisible or subordinate.
Use 'caudillism' accurately as historical term, but note in analysis when discussing leadership that women also led resistance movements and governance structures within/against caudillo systems.
["authoritarianism","strongman rule","personalist leadership"]
Women participated in Latin American independence and caudillo-era politics—Manuela Sáenz (Bolívar's companion), Juana Azurduy de Padilla (military commander), and others shaped the era but are historically overshadowed by male caudillos.
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