Rare are those individuals who significantly shape history and earn a spot among the Top 10 Most Powerful People. Today’s world has been profoundly influenced by political leaders who hold sway over the governance of nations and, in turn, their citizens. These leaders craft and implement policies and laws that cast a lasting impact on various aspects of a nation’s growth, including the economy, socioeconomics, technology, capacity building, and the environment.

Although history offers numerous examples highlighting that being a politician doesn’t automatically make one a good leader, nations with strong leadership qualities gain a distinct advantage. Every politician aspires to garner the support of the people by presenting manifestos that align with the perspectives and beliefs of their constituents. With the authority to guide countries, politicians who genuinely work for the people are likely to secure robust public support. Here’s a roundup of the Top 10 Leaders in the World:

Top Global Leaders 2023 List 

As per the survey here is the list of global leaders from the highest approval rating to the lowest 

1. Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, is India’s 14th and current Prime Minister, assuming office in 2014 after a notable tenure as Gujarat’s chief minister from 2001 to 2014. Affiliated with the right-wing Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Modi holds the distinction of being the longest-serving non-Indian National Congress Prime Minister. While he received acclaim for his economic development initiatives, his leadership faced scrutiny for the handling of the Gujarat riots in 2002. Modi’s administration prioritized economic reforms, attracting foreign investment, and implementing contentious policies such as demonetization.

Despite enjoying widespread support, Modi’s leadership is marked by persistent concerns about democratic practices and controversies, particularly regarding his alignment with Hindu nationalism and his role in the Gujarat riots. These aspects contribute to the complex narrative surrounding Modi’s political career and influence in India.

2. Xi Jinping

Born on June 15, 1953, Xi Jinping is a prominent Chinese leader who has held the position of China’s president since 2013 and serves as the secretary-general of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Despite being acknowledged as one of the most influential figures globally, Western perspectives often characterize him as a dictator or representative of an autocratic government due to concerns about government surveillance, human rights erosion, and censorship across various domains such as media and the Internet. Xi, the second child of influential Chinese Communist Xi Zhongxun, was born in Beijing in 1953 and later pursued studies in Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University. His anti-corruption initiatives and strategic constitutional changes in 2018, eliminating presidential term limits, solidified his control over the ruling party.

Xi Jinping’s leadership is marked by an increased state presence in the economy, reinforcing China’s private sector and intensifying control over various aspects of the nation’s affairs. Internationally, his assertive stance on security matters and global affairs has strengthened China’s influence in regions such as South Africa and Europe, projecting a determined and nationalistic image on the world stage. However, his tenure has witnessed fluctuations in China-India relations, including periods of tension and military conflicts along the Line of Actual Control. The violent clashes in 2020 led to a significant deterioration in relations, with China gaining control of a small portion of Indian territory.

3. Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin, holding the global rank of second in terms of power, has been the leader of Russia since 2012, previously serving as prime minister from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. Born in Leningrad on October 7, 1952, Putin, with a background in intelligence agencies, worked for the KGB for 16 years before entering politics, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Graduating from Leningrad State University in 1975 with a degree in law, Putin’s influential leadership is attributed to his significant contributions to Russia’s growth and widespread support from the populace.

However, Putin’s actions, notably the surprise military intervention in eastern Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, have sparked international concern. The full-scale invasion has resulted in casualties, prompting a humanitarian crisis and displacements. While Putin maintains that Russia’s purpose is not to invade Ukraine, the consequences of the conflict and its impact on the Ukrainian government remain subjects of global scrutiny and geopolitical tensions.

4. Donald Trump

Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, Trump took the helm of his father’s real estate firm in 1971, rebranding it as The Trump Organization. Through brand licensing and diversifying into various ventures, including resorts, nightclubs, and golf resorts, he expanded the company’s financial portfolio.

Trump’s political ideologies, characterized as nationalistic, imperialist, populist, and protectionist, led to his historic victory in the 2016 US elections against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. His presidency was marked by controversial policies, including immigration practices, visa restrictions, and environmental deregulation. Trump’s approach to international relations saw the withdrawal from key agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal. Despite holding three meetings with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, progress in the disarmament process remained elusive. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic drew criticism for delayed responses, disregard for health professionals’ recommendations, and the spread of misinformation regarding experimental therapies and testing.

5. Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak (born 12 May 1980) is a British politician who is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2022. The first British Asian prime minister, he previously held two cabinet positions under Boris Johnson, latterly as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022. Sunak has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond (Yorks) since 2015.

Sunak was born in Southampton to parents of Indian descent who immigrated to Britain from East Africa in the 1960s. He was educated at Winchester College, studied philosophy, politics and economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, and earned an MBA from Stanford University in California as a Fulbright Scholar. During his time at Oxford University, Sunak undertook an internship at Conservative Central Office, and joined the Conservative Party. After graduating, Sunak worked for Goldman Sachs and later as a partner at the hedge fund firms the Children’s Investment Fund Management and Theleme Partners.

Sunak was elected to the House of Commons for Richmond in North Yorkshire at the 2015 general election.

6. David Cameron

David William Donald Cameron, a British conservative politician, served as the Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016 and led the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016. Prior to his premiership, he held the role of opposition leader from 2005 to 2010 and represented Witney as a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2016. Cameron, aligning himself with a one-nation conservative approach, advocated for both economic and socially liberal policies during his tenure. Raised in a wealthy London family, he attended prestigious institutions such as Heatherdown School, Eton College, and Brasenose College in Oxford. Cameron’s efforts to rebrand the Conservatives included adopting a more liberal social stance and launching the “A-List” to enhance diversity within the party.

Cameron’s leadership saw significant international events, including the authorization of bombing against the Islamic State and military intervention in the First Libyan Civil War. Domestically, his administration played key roles in the Scottish independence referendum and the voting reform referendum. After unexpectedly securing a majority in the 2015 general election, Cameron led a Conservative-only administration. However, his political legacy is notably marked by his decision to call for a 2016 referendum on the UK’s European Union membership, leading to the successful Brexit vote. Despite accolades for modernizing the Conservative Party and reducing the national debt, Cameron faced substantial criticism for the political unrest caused by the Brexit referendum. While opinions on Cameron remain diverse, he holds a significant place in British political history, ranking as the sixth most influential politician.

7. Manuel Valls

Manuel Carlos Valls Galfetti, born on August 13, 1962, is a French-Spanish politician who left a notable imprint on French politics. Hailing from Barcelona with a Swiss mother and Spanish father, Valls served as Évry’s Mayor from 2001 to 2012 and represented Essonne in the French National Assembly from 2002. Affiliated with the social liberal wing of the Socialist Party, he embraced Blairism’s values. His political trajectory saw him as France’s Prime Minister from 2014 to 2016 and as the Interior Minister from 2012 to 2014. Despite losing the Socialist Party’s 2017 presidential primary, Valls, diverging from his earlier commitment, fervently backed Emmanuel Macron, securing his re-election to the House of Commons in the ensuing general election. Subsequently, he departed from the Socialist Party and informally joined La République En Marche within the National Assembly.

In October 2018, Valls left the National Parliament to run for mayor of Barcelona in the 2019 municipal election, supported by the centrist Ciudadanos party. Despite placing fourth in the election, Valls, known for his critique of the Catalan independence movement, continued his political journey. Seeking to reenter the National Assembly in 2022 as a representative of French expatriates in the Fifth District of La République En Marche, he faced electoral challenges and finished third, resulting in an unsuccessful bid.

8. Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel, born on July 17, 1954, made history as Germany’s first female chancellor, serving from 2005 to 2021. Originating from Hamburg, she migrated to East Germany due to her father’s ministerial duties. With a Ph.D. in quantum chemistry, Merkel entered politics after the Revolutions of 1989, rising through the ranks of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). As chancellor, she led multiple coalition governments, addressing challenges like the European debt crisis and COVID-19. Renowned for international leadership, Merkel’s legacy includes navigating crises, implementing reforms, and advocating for environmental sustainability. Her tenure earned her the distinction of the longest-serving head of state in the EU and one of the world’s most powerful women.

9. Hillary Clinton

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, born on October 26, 1947, is an American politician and lawyer who made history as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee in the 2016 election, becoming the first woman to receive such a candidacy. Raised in Chicago, Clinton graduated from Wellesley College in 1969 and Yale Law School in 1973. As the first lady of Arkansas and later of the United States, she advocated for healthcare reform and gender equality.

Transitioning to politics, she became New York’s first female senator in 2000, marking her as the first former First Lady to hold an elected office. Serving as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, she played a pivotal role in diplomatic efforts, notably in the JCPOA nuclear accord with Iran. Despite facing scrutiny over a private email server during her tenure, Clinton’s political career has been characterized by groundbreaking achievements and a steadfast focus on key policy issues.

Hillary Clinton’s political journey spans decades, encompassing roles as a lawyer, first lady, senator, and secretary of state. A trailblazer in American politics, she has championed healthcare, gender equality, and diplomatic initiatives. Clinton’s historic presidential nomination in 2016, along with her advocacy for international cooperation, reflects a career defined by dedication to public service.

10. Dilma Rousseff

Born in Belo Horizonte, Dilma Vana Rousseff, the 36th president of Brazil, made history as the country’s first female president, serving from 2011 to 2016. Embracing socialism in her early years, Rousseff became involved in left-wing guerrilla activities during the 1964 coup d’état. Subsequently imprisoned, kidnapped, and tortured from 1970 to 1972, she later joined the Democratic Labour Party and, subsequently, the Workers’ Party (PT). Rousseff played key roles in various administrations and was appointed chief of staff in 2005 during a political crisis. She won the presidency in 2010 and secured re-election in 2014, contributing to Brazil’s political landscape with her historic leadership.

Rousseff’s journey from activism to presidency reflects her resilience and commitment to public service. Despite encountering challenges such as imprisonment and political crises, she emerged as a trailblazer. She broke gender barriers in Brazilian politics and left a lasting impact on the nation’s history.

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