Presidents Without Parties

Presidents Without Parties, Volume 1, is a political science study that examines the critical relationship between the executive branch and ruling political parties. Javier Corrales analyzes how economic reform depends on the cooperation of a party to maintain societal support and neutralize opposition from interest groups. This work of international relations focuses on the necessity of political parties for effective governability and stable public policy.

The author applies this framework to history and economic policy in Latin America, specifically comparing the divergent outcomes of market reforms in Argentina and Venezuela during the 1990s. By exploring these cases and eight other South American examples, Presidents Without Parties demonstrates how the absence of competitive parties leads to political instability. This text provides a detailed analysis of public policy and the structural requirements for successful state transformations.