It's no mystery that US President Donald Trump is not amongst the most liked Presidents the great Democratic tradition of United States has produced.
If the his public bashing on every tweet that he posts on Twitter is not enough evidence, then his approval ratings recite the story.
From his unwarranted stats, to blatant lies, to bizarre statements; everything that he does somehow to portray himself in all glory, only leaves him tar-faced.
The investigation on the Russian collusion is only fueling more excitement in the populace on the prospects of his indictment.
In such a scenario where uncertainty looms over Trump’s tenure and US faces the lack of an absolute leader, the world finds itself dragged in the direction of authoritarians that do not want to let go of their dominion.
While the United States remains busy meddling in its own mess, the rest 4 of the 5 strongest militaries in the world are too busy following the dictates of their authoritarian leaders.
Each of the major powers including China, Russia, India and Japan are being governed by leaders that do not seem to vacate in the near future.
Shinzo Abe
Even the one who was looking weakest among them has solidified his position thanks to the snap elections he announced in Japan. Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party and a small coalition partner together secured at least 312 seats in the 465-seat lower house of Parliament. This win has boosted his chances to extend his premiership to 2021.
With this win, the Japanese Prime Minister has announced to rewrite the pacifist constitution that prevents Japan from maintaining sea, land or air forces. Imposed on Japan by the victorious Americans after the second world war, it says, in Article 9, that “the Japanese people forever renounce...the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes.” For this reason, “land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained.”
However, Japan has been maintaining a strong modern military in by using the label of “self-defence forces” as a legal camouflage.
While he stays in power, he has a decent opportunity to shape Japan’s constitution in a way that meets his vision and desire to stay in power.
Narendra Modi
Even in India, despite the demonetization gamble, Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys an unparalleled position of power due to a lack of opposition.
The only visible opposition, Congress has been crushed multiple times in various States. Even the opposition leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi is seen as the national dimwit, thanks to the aggressive Social Media campaigns and his own antics.
If he wins in 2019, he will get another 5 years that'll put in office till 2024.
Xi Jinping
The Economist Recently dubbed Xi Jinping as the most powerful man on earth. Whether you accept the view or not, with the recently concluded 19th Party Congress in China, he now most certainly enjoys the status of China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
Now that Xi’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has been introduced into the constitution, he has become effectively unassailable. If one challenges Xi, he is challenging the party – which in kind terms- can easily make you disappear.
Many experts now believe that he will even extend his second 5 year term in 2022, meaning he will continue to rule till 2027.
This has been indicated as Xi unveiled the new line-up of China’s top ruling council – the Communist party’s politburo standing committee. Generally, it from this community that it becomes clear who can become the next successor.
The all-male group contained no potential successor, since none of its five new members – all aged between 60 and 67 – is young enough to take the reins from Xi after the end of his second term.
Vladimir Putin
Seventeen years after he first took office of the President, Putin's position seems stronger than ever.
The Russian President is the most seasoned of all of in this list, thanks to his successful stints as the President, a grey career as a spy in the KGB and a recent emerging tendency of influencing the Geopolitics of nations he has a special interest in.
Avoiding any direct confrontation, Putin has shadowboxed his way in world affairs which began with Chechnya and reaching a peak with his annexation of Crimea. What makes him even more dangerous is his alleged involvement in hijacking the US Presidential Elections of 2016 which led to the victory of Donald Trump.
According to a Guardian report, there is evidence piling up suggesting that Putin may be responsible for the victory of “Yes” vote that paved way for Brexit.
As international community sneers at the face of Putin, his smile remains unfazed as he continues to toy with the world affairs and home seems solid. His approval ratings lie between 83-87% in late 2017 indicating an easy victory for him in the elections going to be held next year.
This means that Putin's position does not seem to go below President till the year 2024.
What this means for the United States?
United States has long enjoyed the position of a global superpower now. This hegemony now seems to dwindle as a much smaller Rogue nation refuses to accept the US dictates by continues to expand its power.
North Korea under Kim Jong Un through its gaudy defiance has firmly shown it will not back down on its nuclear ambitions. While Trump has not been quite either, and has promised to respond with “Fire and Fury”, what he doesn't understand is that it may trigger a set of events that would lead the World to a place it doesn't want to be in.
The US will be doomed to lose its Superpower Status in this case.
What it means for the world?
A US intervention with Korea may not only open up new conflicts with China but will also bring in Japan to the mix which has justifiable bitterness for the North Korea.
Looking at India’s affable relations with both Japan and the US, it is very likely that India will have to jump in the mix. If that happens, it's sworn enemy Pakistan, which shares a friendship of interests with China will tilt towards China’s side.
However, India’s tilt could also be affected by that of Russia, which remains the rogue nation here.
Even if such a war does not happen, prospects do not look too good for the US with China’s ever expanding ambitions in World Economy.
Given that Xi is most likely to reign for a long period of time now, and so will the other 3, there will be moves made in curb China's long-term economic ambitions. Reports are coming in that Japan may propose a counter move with the US, India and Australia to counter OBOR.
Whatever happens, one thing that remains certain is that the US needs a stable, firm and long sighted leadership now, more than ever.