Contributor(s): Carlos Mesa | Having worked for the government from 2000, Carlos Mesa Gisbert was President of Bolivia from 2003 to 2005. His presidency focussed on constitutional reform to increase political representation and participation of citizen groups and indigenous people; Bolivian decentralization; and strengthening relations with other Latin American countries. As an academic and journalist Carlos Mesa has published extensively on the political process in Bolivia and Latin America more broadly, and is responsible for having establishing several of Bolivia’s most wide-reaching and respected media channels. Accolades reflecting his achievements include an honorary doctorate awarded by Bolivia’s Universidad Autónoma del Beni.