In Forbes’ 2015 Most Powerful People, they seem to be equating power with outdated 19th to early 20th century nationalism, perhaps reflecting a more US Republican (carry a big stick) way of thinking?
I beg to differ.
Destabilizing neighbors, annexing territory, supporting Syria, hobbling their own domestic growth, suppressing the rule of law and politicizing business are not elements of power that qualify in the 21st century.
Here’s a simple test of working out who is the most powerful country & person in 2015: Ask the rulers, politicians and diplomats of all countries, who and which country they most respect and which country they look to for business, defense and support?
America / Barack Obama
China / Xi Jinping
Germany / Angela Merkel
I suspect Russia wouldn’t get into the Top Ten even with support from Syria, Belarus and perhaps grudgingly from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Hardly a resounding vote.
On the website, there’s very little about how Forbes have done their ranking; however, Russia will certainly be celebrating and possibly deciding they need to do more 19th century sabre-rattling in order to retain the “most powerful” moniker. Sad really.
I rest my case.
