The Twilight of Titans: Why the World Desperately Needs Younger Leaders
In an era defined by rapid technological upheaval, escalating climate crises, and geopolitical tensions that threaten global stability, the reins of power remain firmly in the hands of a generation that has already enjoyed decades of influence and comfort. Leaders like Vladimir Putin (approximately 73), Donald Trump (79), Xi Jinping (72), Ali Khamenei (86), Benjamin Netanyahu (76), and Narendra Modi (75) have shaped the world through their visions—often rooted in the ideologies and conflicts of the 20th century. Yet, as they approach the twilight of their lives, their decisions continue to dictate the fates of billions, particularly the young who will inherit a planet scarred by wars, economic instability, and environmental degradation. These elders, insulated by power and unlikely to witness the full ramifications of their policies, are steering humanity toward uncertain horizons. It's time to ask: Isn't the world overdue for leaders who not only understand the present but will also live long enough to face the future?
The Gerontocracy Grip: Power in the Hands of the Aged
The phenomenon of aging leaders dominating global politics is not new, but its implications have never been more stark. These figures have amassed unparalleled experience, navigating Cold War remnants, economic booms and busts, and the rise of digital economies. Putin has ruled Russia with an iron fist for over two decades, overseeing military expansions that echo Soviet-era ambitions. Trump, with his disruptive style, reshaped American politics and international alliances during his tenure. Xi has centralized power in China, pushing aggressive economic policies and territorial claims. Khamenei, as Iran's Supreme Leader, influences Middle Eastern dynamics through proxy conflicts. Netanyahu's long stint in Israeli politics has seen repeated escalations in regional tensions, while Modi's leadership in India focuses on nationalist reforms amid growing economic disparities.
These men have lived lives of privilege, bolstered by state resources and global influence. They've witnessed the fall of empires, the birth of the internet, and the dawn of AI—all from positions of authority. But their longevity in power comes at a cost: a disconnect from the realities faced by younger generations. At ages where retirement is the norm in most professions, they wield authority over decisions that span decades, if not centuries, in impact.
Decisions Today, Consequences Tomorrow: The Burden on the Young
The crux of the issue lies in accountability—or the lack thereof. These leaders will not endure the long-term fallout of their choices. Consider the ongoing wars: Putin's invasion of Ukraine has dragged on, displacing millions and inflating global energy prices, yet he may not see the full reconstruction or the generational scars it leaves. Netanyahu's policies in Gaza and the West Bank fuel cycles of violence that could persist for decades, outlasting his time in office. Khamenei's support for militant groups exacerbates Middle Eastern instability, potentially leading to prolonged conflicts that young Iranians and their neighbors will inherit.
Economically, the decisions are equally shortsighted. Xi's zero-COVID policies and trade wars have ripple effects on global supply chains, contributing to job losses and inflation that hit young workers hardest. Modi's economic reforms in India, while ambitious, have widened inequality, leaving a burgeoning youth population grappling with unemployment in a gig economy dominated by automation. Trump's protectionist tariffs and deregulation efforts in the U.S. have fueled short-term gains but long-term uncertainties, including a ballooning national debt that millennials and Gen Z will repay.
Then there's the climate crisis, perhaps the most egregious example of intergenerational injustice. These leaders have presided over eras of fossil fuel dependency and insufficient green transitions. Policies that delay aggressive action on emissions mean rising sea levels, extreme weather, and resource scarcity will devastate future generations. They advocate for incremental changes or outright denial, secure in the knowledge that they won't face the flooded cities or mass migrations predicted by 2050. Young people, who protest in the streets for a livable planet, are left to clean up the mess.
Add to this the looming job crises exacerbated by AI and automation. Decisions on regulation—or the lack of it—could displace millions from traditional employment, yet these leaders, products of a pre-digital world, often prioritize corporate interests over workforce reskilling. The result? A youth demographic yearning for stability in an unstable world.
The Youth Imperative: A Call for Leaders Who Will Live the Future
Young generations aren't just passive victims; they're vocal advocates for change. From climate strikes led by figures like Greta Thunberg to movements for economic justice and peace, such as those against conscription in conflict zones, the under-40s demand more. They seek peace over perpetual war, dignified jobs in a fair economy, and a planet that sustains life rather than threatens it. They understand the interconnectedness of today's issues—how social media amplifies divisions, how AI reshapes labor, and how global warming intersects with inequality.
The world needs leaders who embody this understanding: individuals in their 30s, 40s, or 50s who have grown up with smartphones, climate anxiety, and gig work. Think of potential trailblazers like Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy (in his late 40s when he took office) or Finland's Sanna Marin (who became prime minister at 34), who brought fresh perspectives to governance. Younger leaders are more likely to prioritize sustainable policies because they'll live with the outcomes. They'll innovate on job creation, leveraging technology rather than fearing it, and pursue diplomacy over dominance, knowing their children will share the same world.
Of course, age alone isn't a disqualifier—wisdom comes with experience. But when power concentrates among the elderly, it stifles diversity and foresight. Democracies and autocracies alike must foster pathways for youth involvement, from lowering age barriers for office to amplifying young voices in policy-making.
A New Dawn: Reclaiming the Future
As these titans of the old guard cling to power, the clock ticks for meaningful change. The decisions made in boardrooms and war rooms today will echo through history, but only the young will hear the full reverberation. It's not about discarding the lessons of the past but integrating them with the urgency of the present. The world doesn't need more leaders who've "already lived their lives in power and comfort." It needs those who are just beginning theirs—vibrant, accountable, and invested in tomorrow.
The call is clear: Empower the youth, or risk a legacy of regret. For the sake of peace, prosperity, and the planet, let's usher in an era where leaders don't just decide the future—they live it.
Sanjay Pattnayak
Sundargarh
