Rodríguez Zapatero’s leadership capital trajectories, 2004-‍2011

Authors

  • José A. Olmeda Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18042/cepc/rep.191.09

Abstract

Following Bennister, ‘t Hart, and Worthy’s conceptualization of political capital, and definition of leadership capital as aggregate authority composed of three dimensions (skills, relations and reputation) of a leader, the article uses their Leadership Capital Index (LCI) to systematically map out those three broad areas, combining concrete measures with interpretive aspects, in Rodríguez Zapatero’s mandates as a prime minister. This index is both more nuanced and robust than exclusive reliance on the latest approval ratings, and it is used as a tool for systematically tracking and comparing Zapatero’s political fortunes managing policy reforms (2004-‍2008) and economic crisis (2008-‍2011). The analysis shows a meteoric leader trajectory, and that leadership capital losses were mainly located in Rodríguez Zapatero’s persuasive and inspirational skills, and political relations with his party and public opinion.

Published

2021-03-18

Issue

Section

ARTICLES