Norberto Ceresole, Caudillo-Armed Force-People theorist dies of heart attack

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Thursday, May 08, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Controversial Argentinean sociologist, Norberto Ceresole, has died in Argentina after suffering a heart attack. Born in 1943, Ceresole studied in Germany, France and Italy and has written 30 books on geo-political strategy and military sociology. His work led him to be appointed to the Soviet Union's (USSR) Science Academy at the Latin American Institute and professor at the USSR High School of War. 

In Argentina,  Ceresole joined the Montoneros' breakaway urban guerrilla group ERP, which was virtually wiped out by the military dictatorship in the 70s ... Norberto sought exile in Spain. 

Before that he acted as an adviser to Peruvian nationalist President, General Juan Velazco Alvarado towards the end of 60s and is said to have been close to President Salvador Allende in the early 70s even though his political ideology at the time would have placed him closer to the revolutionary left (MIR) . 

The sociologist met Hugo Chavez Frias in 1994 and is believed to have influenced his political thought as regarding making the army the spearhead of change in Venezuela. It is thought that the Peronist experience in Argentina forged Ceresole's now famous political triangle: warlord (caudillo), the military and the People (pueblo). 

Ceresole suggested that in Latin America and Venezuela only a military political party could overcome the fierce opposition from international and domestic reactionary forces. However, his consultancy work in Venezuela was cut short by rivalries inside Chavez Frias' Movimiento Quinta Republica (MVR) . Civilian MVR kingpins, Luis Miquilena and Jose Vicente Rangel maneuvered Ceresole out of the country. 

Ceresole became a dedicated supporter of the Palestine cause and became an avid anti-Zionist causing scandal for his position on the Holocaust. Before he died, Ceresole returned to Argentina to act as political adviser to presidential candidate, Adolfo Rodriguez Saa and to former military rebel, Lt. Colonel Aldo Rico running for the State Governorship of Buenos Aires.

Whatever can be said about Ceresole, his thinking on Latin America has a touch of originality and will not cease with his physical demise.