International political thinktank Eurasia Group has ranked Russian President Vladimir Putin second on its list of the world’s most powerful people. The first position is held by ‘Nobody,’ reflecting the perception of a world without a clear leader.
The list, published by Foreign Policy magazine, ranks individuals’ ability to singlehandedly “bring about change that significantly affects the lives and fortunes of large numbers of people.”
Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer explained that he left the fist position empty because the modern world has no clear leader, and those in power are focused on domestic or regional issues rather than global challenges.
1. Nobody
2. Vladimir Putin
3. Ben Bernanke
4. Angela Merkel
5. Barack Obama
6. Mario Draghi
7. Xi Jinping
8 (tie). Ayatollah Khamenei
8 (tie). Christine Lagarde
10. King Abdullah Bin Abd al-Aziz
Putin’s second-place rank is due to “Russia’s personalized system,” and the influence the country wields in regional affairs.
Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke holds the third position because of the number of levers he can pull to influence the US economy, and by extension the global economy.
Other individuals mentioned are German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for policies that are “the glue that binds Europe,” US President Barack Obama, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and China’s new leader Xi Jinping.
Tied for 8th place are Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde.
The ailing ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah Bin Abd al-Aziz, rounded the list for his ability to determine the succession of leadership in the hydrocarbon powerhouse.
