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Pericles (495-429 BC) was born in an aristocratic family in Athens. He grew up a supporter of the arts. He became a politician and was a reformist in Athenian politics. Athens became more democratic, paid citizens to serve on juries and erected the Acropolis and Parthenon. He served until his death in 429 BC. His role in developing democracy helped make Athens a cultural center in Greece.
(Image of Pericles by DEA/S. Vannini) -
Also known as the Dark Ages.
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Otto I (912-973) became king of Germany in 936 and Holy Roman Emperor in 962. He is credited with uniting the German lands primarily by using the bishops of the church to create “Ottonian church system of the Reich” (Encyclopaedia Britannica). His leadership helped to usher in peace and prosperity into Germany and created a flow of culture known as the Ottonian Renaissance.
(Otto I and Edith, photo by Chris73 Creative Commons) -
Cosimo de' Medici (1389-1464) Banker, politician, and arts patron, he 'established "the House of the Medici as the de facto ruling family of Florence" (Gordon, 2021, study.com). His leadership depended upon bribing local officials, but the city seemed to prosper under Medici. He hosted the Council of Florence in 1439 which brought money and Greek scholars to Florence.
(Portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici - Agnolo Bronzino (National Gallery, London, public domain)) -
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Frederick the Great (1712-1786) King of Prussia from 1740-1786. During his reign he expanded Prussia, and reformed the military and government. He is known for the first German code of law and for granting freedom of press and religion. He was abused as a child by his father and was a supporter of the arts. He spoke French and German and considered himself a servant.
https://www.biography.com/political-figure/frederick-ii
Photo: Time Life Pictures/Mansell/The LIFE Picture Collection -
Napolean Bonaparte (1769-1821) Perhaps best known for his defeat at Waterloo in 1815, Bonaparte has been called "one of the greatest commanders ever to have lived" (New World Encyclopedia). He established the Napoleonic Code, or a common law throughout France. Many scholars believe this ultimately led to the European Union this past century. He took lessons from his military battles to improve for the next time.
photo: Napoleon in His Study by Jacques-Louis David (1812) -
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Winston Churchill (1874-1965). Twice Prime Minister of Great Britain, Churchill led the country during World War II, and helped lead the Allies to defeat Germany and Italy. He was not beyond controversy, but his leadership in the time of war proved to be the difference. He also took part in the discussions to form the United Nations.
Photo: Carl Mydans/The LIFE Picture Collection -
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Rev. Martin Luther King (1929-1968), civil rights leader. He was a world figure in the fight for equality, and fought peacefully for equal rights for all. I chose him because his leadership in the face of hatred, threats, and resistance, was steadfast in his peaceful form of protest. Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, TN in 1968 where he was helping striking garbage workers.
(AP Photo) -
Jacinda Ardern (1980- ) is the Prime Minister of New Zealand holding that title since 2017. She made the difficult choice to shut down the country in order to manage the coronavirus epidemic. She is the youngest leader in the world and youngest PM in NZ's history. Her empathy and open communication with the country has been a beacon of hope. I believe she is a fresh needed voice in leadership.
photo courtesy Jacinda Ardern) -
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In 2037, leaders may face new obstacles, including a world population approaching 9 billion (it currently is estimated at 7.8 billion). Climate change will challenge leaders of many countries as sea levels continue to rise and arid temperatures render more land unavailable to grow crops. I believe that the workforce will dramatically shrink thanks to automation and more countries will develop universal income to keep the economy afloat and workers will no longer need to work to survive.
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In 2052 leaders may have to consider how to work with a depleted supply of fossil fuels and implementation of alternative energies. Leaders will also continue to work with a depleted workforce as jobs continue to be replaced by automation. However, new leaders will be required, as humans begin to colonize off world. Climate change continues to be a key problem for world leaders as temperatures continue to climb and sea levels rise to the point where coastal cities become uninhabitable.