The Role of the Transitional Leader: A Comparative Analysis of Adolfo Suárez and Boris Yeltsin

By the same authors

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O'Brien, T. A., 17 Jan 2021, Deterrence: Concepts and Approaches for Current and Emerging Threats. Filippidou, A. (ed.). Springer, p. 141-155
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review
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O'Brien, T., 1 Sep 2020
Research output: Other contribution
Dismantling Distrust in Colombia's Enduring Conflict
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Research output: Other contribution
Trust and Distrust in the Resolution of Protracted Social Conflict: The Case of Colombia
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From the same journal

Leadership (Journal)
Linda Perriton (Editorial board member)
2005 → …
Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work › Editorial board

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Author(s)

Thomas Anthony O'Brien

Department/unit(s)

Sociology

Publication details

Journal	Leadership
Date	Published - 1 Nov 2007
Issue number	4
Volume	3
Number of pages	432
Pages (from-to)	419
Original language	English

Abstract

The role of leadership in transitional regimes is an issue that requires closer examination, given the ability of the leader to shape and determine the direction of the regime. This paper seeks to delineate some common features of leadership during such regimes and the factors influencing the ability of leaders to manipulate and shift the direction of the process. To illustrate, it adopts a comparative analysis of the leadership of Adolfo Suárez (Spain) and Boris Yeltsin (Russia). It will be shown that, despite the different outcomes of these cases, there are clear similarities that point to the existence of a form of transitional leadership. Central to the paper is an adoption of the notion of structure and agency to determine the extent actors in this position can affect change within the constraints faced.