In this extraordinary book, based on over three hundred interviews conducted with politicians in five countries, Diamint and Tedesco show how leaders are constrained by party systems and how their normative preferences shape the quality of democracy.

Aníbal Pérez-Liñán, University of Pittsburgh

An empirically rich and conceptually sophisticated book on political leadership in Latin America. This illuminating study fills a significant gap in the literature.

Michael Shifter, president of Inter-American Dialogue

An original and fascinating approach to the issue of the quality of democracy. This thought-provoking analysis should be essential reading.

Peter Lambert, University of Bath

Casts a keen eye on the role of political leaders in South America's diverse democracies by analyzing their words and actions up close and in depth.

Ted Piccone, author of Five Rising Democracies and the Fate of the International Liberal Order