This pioneering work, now available for the first time in English, seeks to analyze the political process in Argentina, a nation that has long aspired to political leadership of Latin America but has failed to fulfill its aspiration because of political fragmentation and factionalism. In determining who holds power in Argentina, Professor Imaz assembled information on the social backgrounds of political leaders and party workers, military officers, large landowners, managers and owners of industry and commerce, the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, and officials of labor unions. This considerable amount of data for the years 1936–1961 provides the basis for a comparison of the processes of recruitment and the different social outlooks of the various elites. Professor Imaz's frequently cited book has gone through six printings in Argentina since first publication in 1964. For the English translation, he has added material that brings the data up to date. Professor Astiz has provided an introduction that places the study in context for those who are not familiar with Argentine history and politics.