t shouldn’t be lost on anyone that the most influential and destructive political leaders right now are old men. Their leadership has led to a dramatic escalation of authoritarianism and hyper–masculine power. It defies democratic ideals and inclusive governance, everywhere.
The elevation of “strongman” narratives, together with the ongoing marginalization of women’s voices are systematically undermining any prospect for collective resilience, pluralism, and stability.
That’s why today’s cliched model of leadership must be reinvented.
Women leaders have, in the main, demonstrated that they offer an alternative approach. One that is more often rooted in empathy and emotional intelligence and directly counters the current dominant paradigm of command–and–control authority.
Yet although there has been extraordinary progress by women in many fields, the facts remain stark. Statistically, women are vastly underrepresented at the highest echelons of leadership. Less than 10% of CEOs in the world’s top 100 companies are women. Fewer than 30 countries are led by a woman head of state. And those who make it to the top too often are the targets of levels of hostility and abuse that can endanger their lives.
Where women are forging leadership pathways, it’s often via informal routes, such as social movements and civic networks. These arenas frequently operate outside the reach of authoritarian oversight. They cultivate wise leadership rooted in collaboration and are informed by empathy and relational power. Women leaders arising from this experience are bright spots. But the reality is that they do not typically have the standing to change narratives, paradigms or lives at the scale needed to meet this moment.
Our problem is not about men vs. women. Merely replacing men with women will not resolve the leadership crisis. It’s about redefining leadership itself.
Addressing today’s complex and multifaceted global emergencies requires nuanced, inclusive and thoughtful responses. As authoritarian regimes cleave to masculinity and strength as symbols of power, we need investment in leaders who lead with emotional intelligence. Leaders who value empathy, collaboration, and resilience over dominance, division and the cultivation of fear.
How do we get from here to there? Here are four immediate steps.
First, challenge the deeply ingrained norms that equate authority with dominance.
Second, demand that our leaders model inclusive behaviors.
Third, create mentorship programs that elevate emotionally intelligent women and men into leadership positions.
And fourth, drive the expectations of our education systems and corporate cultures to prioritize emotional literacy as a strategic strength.
a global affairs media network
It’s time to retire the strongmen
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
September 15, 2025
The prevalence and elevation of “strongman” narratives in and around geopolitics proves the cliched model of leadership needs reinventing. Women leaders have, by and large, demonstrated an alternative approach rooted in empathy and emotional intelligence, writes Lesley–Anne Long.
I
t shouldn’t be lost on anyone that the most influential and destructive political leaders right now are old men. Their leadership has led to a dramatic escalation of authoritarianism and hyper–masculine power. It defies democratic ideals and inclusive governance, everywhere.
The elevation of “strongman” narratives, together with the ongoing marginalization of women’s voices are systematically undermining any prospect for collective resilience, pluralism, and stability.
That’s why today’s cliched model of leadership must be reinvented.
Women leaders have, in the main, demonstrated that they offer an alternative approach. One that is more often rooted in empathy and emotional intelligence and directly counters the current dominant paradigm of command–and–control authority.
Yet although there has been extraordinary progress by women in many fields, the facts remain stark. Statistically, women are vastly underrepresented at the highest echelons of leadership. Less than 10% of CEOs in the world’s top 100 companies are women. Fewer than 30 countries are led by a woman head of state. And those who make it to the top too often are the targets of levels of hostility and abuse that can endanger their lives.
Where women are forging leadership pathways, it’s often via informal routes, such as social movements and civic networks. These arenas frequently operate outside the reach of authoritarian oversight. They cultivate wise leadership rooted in collaboration and are informed by empathy and relational power. Women leaders arising from this experience are bright spots. But the reality is that they do not typically have the standing to change narratives, paradigms or lives at the scale needed to meet this moment.
Our problem is not about men vs. women. Merely replacing men with women will not resolve the leadership crisis. It’s about redefining leadership itself.
Addressing today’s complex and multifaceted global emergencies requires nuanced, inclusive and thoughtful responses. As authoritarian regimes cleave to masculinity and strength as symbols of power, we need investment in leaders who lead with emotional intelligence. Leaders who value empathy, collaboration, and resilience over dominance, division and the cultivation of fear.
How do we get from here to there? Here are four immediate steps.
First, challenge the deeply ingrained norms that equate authority with dominance.
Second, demand that our leaders model inclusive behaviors.
Third, create mentorship programs that elevate emotionally intelligent women and men into leadership positions.
And fourth, drive the expectations of our education systems and corporate cultures to prioritize emotional literacy as a strategic strength.
