Political leadership has been conceived thus far mostly based on achievement. Consequently “transformational” presidents have been usually considered as the only true leaders. In recent years, this view has been criticized for overestimating the importance of achievement, as in reality it is contingent on context. This talk will discuss some ways of developing leadership as a dependent variable considering both achievement and restrictions as well as of developing strategic action as a key independent variable, over factors such as “vision,” charisma, juncture or institutions.

The central idea is thus that the level of presidential leadership would be positively related to the level of presidential strategic action. Four presidencies are compared to empirically support such hypothesis, namely those of Enrique Peña (2012-present) and Felipe Calderon (2006-2012) in Mexico and of Fernando H. Cardoso (1995-1998) and Fernando Collor (1990-1992) in Brazil.

He is a research-professor at El Colegio de México. He is a member of the board of the International Public Policy Association as well as of the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, Policy Sciences and other journals. Has been advisor of several Secretaries of the Mexican National Government and consultant to the World Bank, the United Nations Development Program, US-AID and other agencies. Was Head of the Mexican Federal Civil Service, Head of the Unit of Analysis of the Mexican Presidency and Executive Director at the National Electoral Institute of Mexico.

Lunch will be provided.

For more information contact: lavst12@pitt.edu
www.ucis.pitt.edu/clas/