Introduction: The Importance of Studying Political Leadership Comparatively

Abstract

There is much criticism of political leaders and leadership in contemporary political commentary and the public debate around the globe. Yet more than anything else this criticism indicates that leaders and leadership are believed to matter for the overall performance of political regimes, and the relations between different regimes. This belief seems to be largely justified. Indeed, the ever-growing complexity of politics in an increasingly interdependent world has made leadership in terms of providing direction and guidance, and devising solutions for collective problems, more important than ever.