President Hugo Chavez

• This week's third place goes to new Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is imposing his vision of a Russia governed by the 'rule of law'.  This week, the Interior Ministry announced that it would drop all charges against Manana Aslamazyan, the head of a prominent US-funded non-governmental organisation.  The development is the latest in a series of moves that indicate Medvedev's intention to follow through on his election pledge to liberalise somewhat restrictions on media and civil society in Russia. 

• Second place goes to former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner, who has used continuing discontent in the agriculture sector to return to the forefront of Argentine politics.  Kirchner has been rallying the Peronist ranks in opposition to the protest leaders.   Yet as he returns to the limelight, his wife Christina finds it increasingly difficult to exert her authority.  The tarnishing of the Kirchner brand makes Nestor's ultimate goal -- a return to office in 2011 -- increasingly unlikely.
• Despite performing two major policy U-turns in the space of just seven days, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wins this week's Masterstroke Award.  Seen in Washington as a high-profile supporter of Colombia's FARC rebels, Chavez's call for a cessation of hostilities surprised the White House.  This was followed by a volte-face over his government's proposals for a shake-up of the national intelligence services.  While the climb-downs show that Chavez lacks conviction, the Venezuelan president has kept his finger on his country's political pulse.