...proven quite resistant to change. Howard Wiarda reasons that, in Latin America, "The state is viewed as the prime regulator, coordinator, and pacesetter of...from which patronage, wealth, power, and programs flow.'2 In this context, successful dealings with the national government are a prerequisite to business...

...The Politics of Clientelism: Democracy and the State of Colombia. Martz explained that the state was the prime regulator, coordinator, and pacesetter of the entire national system, the apex of the pyramid from which patronage, wealth, power and programs flow." The form of the government dated back...