Number 1: Vladimir Putin.
The Russian President has been one of the leading dangerous figures globally for some time now. Putin has shown he’s not afraid to go against global norms, like attacking another country, and dragging Ukraine into war.
Historically, tensions between Russia and the U.S. have always been high, but now, with the current leaders in place, it’s a little more so .
Number 2: Donald Trump
Recently elected for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has begun fulfilling his threats of increased inequality and deportation of his own citizens.
His hostile actions, ranging from trade wars to military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, have destabilized much of the geopolitical landscape.
Number 3: Kim Jong-un
As the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un has proven right from the start to be aggressive, and unpredictable.
There’ve been several accounts of “the Supreme Leader” threatening nuclear strikes against the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. Based on these threats and Kim Jong-un’s ability to follow through, any type of conflict with North Korea would be devastating.
Number 4: Xi Jinping
President since 2013, Xi Jinping has drastically increased China’s economic and political global presence. In addition, Xi Jinping has increased tensions with the U.S. by increasing his military and applying pressure to Taiwan and the South China Sea.
A direct conflict between China and the U.S. would start a global war, as allies on both sides would be forced to respond.
Number 5: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
As Iran’s supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (ha-mehnay) has shown himself to be a worrisome leader.
His continued focus on nuclear development and involvement in proxy wars, coupled with the recent engagement with Israel, makes him one of the most dangerous figures in the Middle East.
Number 6: Mohammed bin Salman
Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, controls one of the most powerful militaries in the Middle East.
Mohammed bin Salman has strong ties with other powerful countries like America and China, and these alliances stem from economic advantages, mainly in the oil trade.
Number 7: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
The President of Turkey has become increasingly authoritarian, with domestic crackdowns on opposition and straining NATO relations.
Actions like military interventions in Syria and a call for a military intervention against Israel, threatening to pull NATO into the conflict.
Number 8: Nicolás Maduro
Coming to power through questionable circumstances, Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, has led his country into a crisis.
Other than the suspicious election, Maduro has also ordered crackdowns on his political rivals. Many of his rivals have fled the country. Like the man who many believe actually won the 2024 election, Edmundo González.
But it’s not just political figures who’ve been leaving the country; there has also been a notable increase in citizens leaving Venezuela. With a collapsing economy and the country’s allies like Russia currently waging war, there’s no happy outlook for Venezuela’s future.
