The return of the state in Latin America under the auspices of leftist governments is often equated with an expansion in the stateÕs role as a regulator of the economy and social welfare provider. This article focuses on an equally important dimension of recent state development: the rise of dense societal regulation. Analysing the case of Ecuador under the administration of Rafael Correa (2007-present), the study shows how the design of policies aimed at the media, civil society organizations, and higher education have enlarged the scope of regulation and enhanced the powers of the executive branch. Applying Daniel BrinksÕ notion of analysing the Ôstate-as-lawÕ, Ecuador stands as example of politicized legalism (estado de derecho politizado).