Latest news with #leadership
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Just when the world desperately needs wise elders, its fate is in the hands of old and ruthless patriarchs
Let's attempt something delicate: talking about age without slipping into ageism. Never before in modern history have those with the fate of the world in their hands been so old. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are both 72. Narendra Modi is 74, Benjamin Netanyahu 75, Donald Trump 79, and Ali Khamenei is 86. Thanks to advances in medical science, people are able to lead longer, more active lives – but we are now also witnessing a frightening number of political leaders tightening their grip on power as they get older, often at the expense of their younger colleagues. This week, at their annual summit, the leaders of Nato – including Emmanuel Macron and Mette Frederiksen (both 47), Giorgia Meloni (48) and Pedro Sánchez (53) – were forced to swallow Trump's demand for increased military spending. The average age of Nato heads of state is 60. Germany's Friedrich Merz is 69, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is 71. All bowed to a new 5% defence spending target – an arbitrary figure, imposed without serious military reasoning or rational debate, let alone serious democratic debate at home. It was less policy, more deference to the whims of a grumpy patriarch. Nato's secretary general, Mark Rutte – himself just 58 – went so far as to call Trump 'Daddy'. That's not diplomacy. That's submission. This generational clash plays out in other arenas. Ukraine's 47-year-old president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is resisting the imperial ambitions of septuagenarian Putin. Septuagenarian Xi eyes a Taiwan led by a president seven years his junior. Netanyahu, three-quarters of a century old, is overseeing devastation in Gaza, where almost half the population is under 18. In Iran an 86 year old rules over a population with an average age of 32. Cameroon's Paul Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982 in a country where the median age is 18 and life expectancy just 62. There is no gerontocratic conspiracy at work here – no senior citizens' club bent on global domination. But there is something disturbing about a world being dismantled by the very people whose lives were defined by its postwar architecture. Khamenei was six when the second world war ended. Trump was born in 1946, the year the United Nations held its first general assembly. Netanyahu was born a year after Israel was founded. Modi was born in 1950, as India became a republic. Putin entered the world in October 1952, months before Stalin died. Xi in June 1953, just after. And Erdoğan was born in 1954, two years after Turkey joined Nato. These men are the children of the postwar world – and as they near the end of their lives, they seem determined to tear it down. It almost looks like revenge. Dylan Thomas urged us to 'Rage, rage against the dying of the light'. Rarely has the line felt so literal. Yes, the rules-based international order was always messier in practice than on paper. But at least the ideal existed. There was a shared moral framework – shaky, yes, but sincere – built on the conviction that humanity must never repeat the atrocities of the first half of the 20th century and that dialogue and diplomacy were better. That conviction has now evaporated, not least in the minds of those who should cherish it most. This is an unprecedented moment. The architects of the previous global disorder – Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao – were all in their 30s or 40s when they rose to power. A new generation built a new world, and lived with its consequences. Today, that new world is being unmade by an old generation – one that will not live to see the wreckage it leaves behind. It's easier to shout 'drill, baby, drill' when you're statistically unlikely to experience the worst of climate collapse. Après nous le déluge, as the French say. You might think that a generation so fortunate to benefit from longevity would leave behind a legacy of care, gratitude and global stewardship. Instead, we are witnessing the worst resurgence of repression, violence, genocide, ecocide and contempt for international law in decades – waged, more often than not, by ruthless septuagenarians and octogenarians who appear more interested in escaping prosecution than preserving peace. But it doesn't have to be this way. After leaving office, Nelson Mandela founded the Elders, a network of former world leaders working to promote peace, justice and human rights. Inspired by African traditions of consensus and elder wisdom, the Elders are an example of how age can bring clarity, compassion and conscience – not just clout. The problem isn't old age. It's how some have chosen to wield it. The world doesn't need more ageing strongmen clinging to power. It needs elders who are willing to let go – and guide. The kind who think about legacy not as personal glory, but as the world they leave behind. In this age of age, what we need is not domination, but wisdom. And that, in the end, is what separates a ruler from a leader. David Van Reybrouck is philosopher laureate for the Netherlands and Flanders. His books include Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World and Congo: The Epic History of a People
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fulton County Commissioners Barrett, Arrington bids to unseat Chairman Robb Pitts
The Brief District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett and District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. are challenging longtime Commission Chairman Robb Pitts, citing the need for new leadership in Fulton County. Barrett criticizes Pitts for being disconnected from residents' needs and failing to protect Fulton County's elections, highlighting his controversial nomination of Republican Lee Morris to chair the Board of Elections. Both Barrett and Arrington emphasize the need for progressive leadership, with Barrett specifically pointing to the unsustainable condition of the aging Fulton County Jail as a key issue. ATLANTA - Two Fulton County commissioners have announced plans to challenge longtime Commission Chairman Robb Pitts, saying the county needs new leadership in the face of mounting challenges. What we know District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett and District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. both confirmed they will run for chairman, setting the stage for a high-profile race ahead of the 2026 election. Barrett, a first-term Democrat, criticized Pitts as being disconnected from the needs of residents. "The chairman has been in office since 1977 and he is just really just out of touch with what the citizens of Fulton County need during these modern and challenging times we are living through," Barrett said. She accused Pitts of failing to defend Fulton County's elections during a period of increasing scrutiny and political tension. "Our elections are under attack at the county level, all across the country — in particular in Fulton County," Barrett said. "He has not only not done enough to protect our elections, but he's actually put our elections in jeopardy." Barrett pointed to Pitts' nomination of Republican Lee Morris to chair the county's Board of Elections as an example. Morris later withdrew his name after criticism. Barrett also took aim at Pitts' stance on the aging Fulton County Jail on Rice Street, which she described as unsustainable. "There were six of seven — everybody but the chairman — who said we needed a new jail. Until the political winds shifted," she said. "Whether we need a jail that was originally being talked about at the $1.68 billion or we can do a smaller, newer facility, the building at Rice Street is not sustainable." Arrington, a veteran commissioner known for his outspoken style, has also launched a campaign website and held early fundraisers. Like Barrett, he argues the county needs more progressive leadership. While some observers have questioned why both Barrett and Arrington are entering the race, Barrett said their shared goal is unseating Pitts. "I said I was running before knowing that he was," Barrett said. "He and I have talked about it, and we both have decided we are running because the chairman is not the right leader for Fulton County." The other side Pitts has not yet commented publicly on his challengers. The Source FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor spoke with Fulton County District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett and District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. as well as staff for Fulton County Chairman Rob Pitts.
UAE Moments
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♌ Leo Daily Horoscope for June 28, 2025
You're not just walking into the room today—you're owning it. June 28 shines a spotlight on your natural charisma, Leo. Whether you're leading a meeting, flirting with someone new, or just vibing solo, your energy is magnetic. Just be careful not to burn too hot—you'll get more done (and charm more people) by pacing yourself. Career: Your leadership skills are front and center. It's a great day to pitch an idea, take charge of a project, or rally your team. Just remember: confidence is powerful, but collaboration wins hearts. Love: Romantic sparks could fly today—especially if you're open to attention. Singles may attract someone who matches their bold energy. If you're coupled up, your partner is craving your warmth and appreciation—make it a two-way spotlight. Body: Energy levels are high, but don't overdo it. A quick workout followed by a luxurious stretch or pampering moment (yes, facials count) will keep you glowing, not drained. Mental Health: You're feeling seen and validated, but don't let external praise be your only fuel. Take a moment to check in with yourself—are you proud of you, too? Pro Tip: Let your light shine, but don't forget to recharge your batteries behind the scenes. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! This article was previously published on qatarmoments. To see the original article, click here
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Intel's top strategy officer to depart this month
By Jeffrey Dastin, Stephen Nellis and Max A. Cherney (Reuters) -Intel's top strategy executive, Safroadu Yeboah-Amankwah, is departing the company, the latest change since Lip-Bu Tan took the chipmaker's helm in March, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Intel confirmed the departure, saying, "We are grateful for Saf's contributions to Intel and wish him the best." Yeboah-Amankwah, who has served as Intel's chief strategy officer since 2020, is leaving on June 30, said the two people, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Yeboah-Amankwah has overseen growth initiatives, strategic partnerships and equity investments for Intel, among other responsibilities. Some of Yeboah-Amankwah's strategy functions will now fall to Sachin Katti, whom Intel recently elevated to chief technology and AI officer. Intel Capital, the company's venture arm, is reporting up to Tan, said one of the two people and a third source briefed on the matter. Tan is a prolific investor and founded San Francisco-based venture capital firm Walden International in 1987. As Intel's CEO, Tan so far has flattened the semiconductor giant's leadership team and taken direct oversight of its important data center and AI chip group, plus its personal-computer chip group. He has brought in new engineering leaders. He has also aimed to cut what he viewed as Intel's bloated, slow-moving middle-management layer. Tan's moves follow years of manufacturing challenges at Intel and lost opportunity for mobile phone and AI chips. His predecessor, Pat Gelsinger, attempted an ambitious turnaround though he compounded some of Intel's problems, Reuters previously reported. Intel reported an annual net loss attributable to the company - its first since 1986 - of $18.8 billion in 2024.
CNA
5 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
Exclusive-Intel's top strategy officer to depart this month
Intel's top strategy executive, Safroadu Yeboah-Amankwah, is departing the company, the latest change since Lip-Bu Tan took the chipmaker's helm in March, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Intel confirmed the departure, saying, "We are grateful for Saf's contributions to Intel and wish him the best." Yeboah-Amankwah, who has served as Intel's chief strategy officer since 2020, is leaving on June 30, said the two people, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Yeboah-Amankwah has overseen growth initiatives, strategic partnerships and equity investments for Intel, among other responsibilities. Some of Yeboah-Amankwah's strategy functions will now fall to Sachin Katti, whom Intel recently elevated to chief technology and AI officer. Intel Capital, the company's venture arm, is reporting up to Tan, said one of the two people and a third source briefed on the matter. Tan is a prolific investor and founded San Francisco-based venture capital firm Walden International in 1987. As Intel's CEO, Tan so far has flattened the semiconductor giant's leadership team and taken direct oversight of its important data center and AI chip group, plus its personal-computer chip group. He has brought in new engineering leaders. He has also aimed to cut what he viewed as Intel's bloated, slow-moving middle-management layer. Tan's moves follow years of manufacturing challenges at Intel and lost opportunity for mobile phone and AI chips. His predecessor, Pat Gelsinger, attempted an ambitious turnaround though he compounded some of Intel's problems, Reuters previously reported. Intel reported an annual net loss attributable to the company - its first since 1986 - of $18.8 billion in 2024.
