1. a system of government or political organization based on the rule of a caudillo (a military leader or strongman), typically characterized by authoritarianism and personal loyalty
Usage: primarily historical and political; common in Latin American history

Examples

• Caudillismo dominated much of Latin America during the 19th century.
• The rise of caudillismo in the region undermined democratic institutions.
• Many historians study caudillismo as a key factor in Latin American political development.
• The general's caudillismo relied heavily on military force and personal charisma.
• Scholars debate whether caudillismo was a response to weak state structures or a cause of them.