US Expert Says Trump Not the World’s Most Powerful Leader; Modi and Xi Hold Edge

While US President Donald Trump has frequently projected himself as the most powerful leader in the world, political analysts argue otherwise. Ian Bremmer, a prominent American political analyst, said that although the United States remains the world’s most powerful country, that influence does not automatically extend to Trump personally.

Speaking to India Today in Davos, Bremmer identified Chinese President Xi Jinping as the world’s most powerful leader. “Xi Jinping does not face midterm elections, he controls the judiciary, and he will be in office long after Trump is gone. In many ways, he is in a much stronger position as a leader,” Bremmer explained.

Modi Also Ahead of Trump

Bremmer also cited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as being in a stronger position than Trump. He noted that Modi’s long tenure allows him to pursue reforms more aggressively and maintain policy continuity compared to Trump or many European leaders. “Being in power for a long period gives Modi the ability to respond more effectively and implement changes in ways that shorter-term leaders cannot,” Bremmer said.

Trump’s Limited Tenure and Policy Reversals

The analyst emphasized that Trump’s influence is inherently limited by the US system of four-year presidential terms. Policies enacted under his administration could be undone by successors, as Trump himself did with some initiatives of former President Biden. Bremmer added that such frequent leadership changes affect the continuity and long-term impact of US policy.

US Credibility Under Strain

Bremmer’s remarks come at a time when Trump’s policies and rhetoric have unsettled decades-long allies of the United States. Recent aggressive statements, including proposals to annex Greenland, have caused tensions within NATO and other partnerships. Critics at the Davos “Board of Peace” signing ceremony have suggested that Trump’s initiatives could undermine existing international institutions such as the United Nations.