Leading political and public figures. Sergey Brin and Larry Page

Every day, reports come from all over the world about certain politicians and officials who have committed crimes. It seems that when people get into the state apparatus, they automatically become deceitful, greedy and corrupt, or maybe it is these qualities that allow them to reach career heights?

One way or another, history (and modernity) knows cases of selfless service to the interests of the country and society in responsible government positions, which gives us hope - despite the existing problems and all-corroding corruption, there are honest and principled politicians in the system, your attention - the best of the best.

1. Aristides (c. 530 - 467 BC)

It was not for nothing that Aristides, an Athenian statesman and commander, received the nickname “The Just” from his contemporaries - he was a man of unshakable honesty and high moral principles.

Herodotus noted the exceptional human qualities of Aristides:

“This Aristides I consider, from what I have learned of his character, to be the most noble and just man in Athens.”

As Plutarch wrote, one day the people's assembly of Athens decided to hold a vote among the residents on which politicians had too much influence, and those who received more than 6 thousand votes were supposed to be expelled from the city in order to prevent tyranny.

Residents wrote names on clay shards and gave them to officials. One illiterate peasant, approaching the politician, asked to write the name “Aristide” on the sign (he did not know him by sight), and when Aristide asked if this man had offended him in any way, the peasant replied: “No, I don’t even know.” , who is this. I’m just tired of hearing on every corner: “Fair!” Fair!"". Aristide wrote his name and silently returned the sign.

Aristide always followed his principles and was one of the few politicians who, even in last days life did not lose the trust of the Athenian people. He died in 467 BC. e. and was buried at public expense.

2. Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (c. 519 - c. 439 BC)

The ancient Roman patrician and politician Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus distinguished himself by twice becoming dictator of Rome to save an empire on the brink of collapse. The first time this happened was in 458 BC. e., when the Eternal City was threatened by the tribes of the Equis and Volscians, and the second time happened in 439 BC. e. - The Senate asked Cincinnatus to suppress the plebeian uprising.

Any other politician in his place would have immediately seized the chance to become the sole ruler of the most powerful (at that time) state on Earth, but Lucius left office as soon as the danger was eliminated. Such phenomenal (especially among statesmen) nobility made him a model of simplicity and virtue.

Cincinnatus led a very modest lifestyle, lived in a small villa and devoted almost all his free time to work and cultivation of the land, which is why in many paintings he is depicted dressed in peasant clothes and holding agricultural tools in his hands. One of the most authoritative Roman historians, Titus Livy, even wrote about him: “Cincinnatus, called from the plow.”

It is curious that George Washington is considered a follower and purveyor of Lucius’s views, who immediately after the US victory in the War of Independence went to his native estate and continued to live an ordinary life. Six years later he became the first president of the United States, and after serving two consecutive terms in office, he returned home again. By the way, Washington was also the chairman of the Society of the Cincinnati, which consisted of US Army officers. Guess in whose honor the Society received its name?

3. Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180)

A philosopher at the head of an empire is perhaps the rarest phenomenon in history. Marcus Aurelius became the last of the so-called five good emperors - the Caesars of Rome, whose reign was characterized by stability and thoughtful internal and foreign policy, which allowed the Roman Empire to reach its greatest prosperity during these years.

Marcus Aurelius is also known as one of the prominent representatives of the philosophy of Stoicism, according to which sins and immoral acts destroy the personality, therefore, in order not to lose human essence, it is necessary to develop one’s moral and mental qualities in every possible way. According to the Stoics, good deeds and the renunciation of all sorts of excesses is the key to a person’s happiness.

As for Marcus Aurelius, his works became classics of late Stoicism, as the historian Herodian said about him:

“Aurelius proved his views not in words or philosophical formulas, but by his human qualities and impeccable lifestyle.”

Marcus Aurelius died in 180 from the plague during a military campaign against the Germans, although some feature films (The Fall of the Roman Empire in 1964, Gladiator in 2000) voice a different version. He was allegedly poisoned because he was going to transfer power over Rome to his adopted son, a Roman general, bypassing his own son Commodus, who, according to Aurelius, was not suitable for the role of emperor, since he was a vain lecher and psychopath.

4. George Washington (1732 - 1799)

One of the most famous figures American history, George Washington has long become simply legendary personality. He presided over the convention that wrote the first US Constitution, served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and created the presidency of the United States.

British King George III once called him "the greatest actor era,” and after Washington’s death, legends began to form about him, there were even attempts to deify him, as, for example, in the famous painting located in the dome of the Capitol. The mural, titled “The Apotheosis of Washington,” depicts the first US president surrounded by a host of Olympian gods, and in Shinto shrines in Hawaii, Washington is worshiped as one of the deities.

As some of the legends say, as a child, when his father asked little George who cut down Cherry tree, the boy was very frightened, but could not lie and admitted that it was his doing. This story is often cited as evidence of Washington's exceptional honesty, and the phrase "I can't lie" has become one of the " business cards» first American President. However, the story has not been confirmed by anything, so, most likely, this is just a tribute to a man whose exceptional honesty no one doubted without any cherry trees.

When Washington passed away, General of the Continental Army Henry Lee said about him this way: “First in the days of war, first in the days of peace and first in the hearts of his fellow citizens,” and Napoleon Bonaparte made a speech to the French in honor of the deceased and announced throughout France 10 -day mourning.

5. Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

Lincoln's presidency was not the easiest period in US history, but he passed the test with honor. The 16th President of the United States led the country through the Civil War (North-South War), abolished slavery, and helped smooth over divisions within the American government. Abraham Lincoln built (not personally, of course) the transcontinental railroad and began a large-scale reorganization of the economy - after his death, the United States became the fastest growing developing country peace.

The whole world was shocked by his death: five days after the end Civil War On April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC, Lincoln was watching the play My American Cousin when actor John Wilkes Booth, a supporter of the already defeated southerners, burst into the presidential box and shot Lincoln in the head. The next day the president died without regaining consciousness.

At home, the 16th president is immortalized in numerous monuments (including the famous Mount Rushmore monument), he is depicted on the 1 cent coin and the 5 dollar bill, and his birthday (March 4) has become an official holiday in several states.

6. William Gladstone (1809 - 1898)

The fate of William Gladstone, a British politician, is unique: he became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom four times and performed well in this post.

Among his political achievements were the abolition of the state church in Ireland, the introduction of secret ballots in elections, two pieces of legislation extending the rights of Irish peasants, and other tireless concern for cultural life country and the interests of the common people. William Gladstone did not perform so brightly in international politics, but only because he was opposed to wars and all kinds of violence that flourished at that time (and even now) on the world political arena.

Possessing an outstanding mind, Gladstone paid attention to various areas of British life; for example, it is known that this Victorian figure invited prostitutes to tea and had conversations with them, hoping to rehabilitate “lost women.” Contemporaries noted in him high moral qualities, justice and philanthropy. The best confirmation of these qualities are the numerous monuments to Gladstone, as well as the streets and small villages bearing his name.

7. Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)

“Great Soul” - this is how the title “Mahatma” is translated from the Devangari dialect, which was awarded to Mohandas Gandhi by the poet Rabindranath Tagore, and Gandhi himself disowned this nickname, considering himself unworthy of it.

Gandhi became famous as a principled opponent of caste inequality, against which he waged a merciless (but peaceful) struggle, and a supporter of the ideas of non-violence (the so-called “satyagraha” - translated from Sanskrit, “the pursuit of truth, perseverance in the truth”), his political and social activities had a huge impact on the development of India and the reconciliation of warring factions of Hindus and Muslims.

In 1921, Gandhi headed the Indian National Congress and in this post worked tirelessly for the benefit of the Indian people. His main concerns were: improving the situation of women in the country, raising the standard of living of the poorest sections of the population, resolving ethnic and religious conflicts, developing the economy and, of course, liberating India from British oppression.

He shared lunch with the untouchables, traveled in third-class carriages, went on hunger strikes and organized protests nonviolent resistance and boycott of British goods, and before his death he worked on the draft of the Indian Constitution.

Being the inspirer and symbol of the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi fell victim to political intrigue: On January 30, 1948, Gandhi, along with his niece, went out onto the lawn in front of the house for the usual evening prayer. He was greeted by a crowd of fans and supporters, but suddenly a man separated from the mass of admirers, approached Gandhi and fired three shots at point-blank range. The bleeding politician showed with a gesture that he forgives the shooter and died. It later turned out that the killer was a member of the religious-political organization Hindu Maha Sabha, which believed that Gandhi was too kind to Indian Muslims.

8. Ernest Vandiver (1918 - 2005)

The 20th century has in many ways become a century of struggle for civil rights various human rights organizations and prominent leaders, including, for example, the well-known Marilyn Luther King.

However, there are others, less famous figures, who also contributed in every possible way to the development civil society, for example, Ernest Vandiver, who served as governor of the American state of Georgia from 1959 to 1963.

Vandiver did his best to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, which was rare for governors at that time, most of whom were thoroughly corrupt racists. For example, Vandiver supported the state court's decision to admit two black students to study at the University of Georgia - Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter, although earlier university students had rebelled against the presence of blacks in classes.

In addition, Vandiver overturned the ruling General Assembly Georgia to ban state funding for single-sex schools.

Georgia State Judge Joseph Quillian praised Ernest Vandiver's performance as governor:

“This man never learned to lie.”

9. Vaclav Havel (1936 - 2011)

Václav Havel undoubtedly had literary talent: he wrote poetry, essays and plays, but he went down in history primarily as a dissident and political figure.

His political path was long and thorny: he was active opponent input Soviet troops to Czechoslovakia in 1968, because of which he had a lot of problems - he was not allowed out of the country, and Havel’s works were banned.

He long years fought for democratization political system and respect for the rights of citizens of his country, he went to jail several times, but stubbornly continued his activities.

In the fall of 1989, the famous Velvet Revolution, one of whose leaders quickly became Vaclav Havel. After the communists lost most his political influence, the former dissident was elected president of the country, however, having held office until 1992, he left it ahead of schedule, believing that the days of Czechoslovakia as a state were numbered. But already in 1993 he was elected again, thus becoming last president Czechoslovakia and the first - the Czech Republic, and in 1998 he was elected for a second term.

The work of Václav Havel has received the widest international recognition and support - he is the winner of numerous awards and the recipient of several awards.

His debut as a director was symbolic: in 2011, the film “Leaving” was first presented to the general public at the Moscow International Film Festival, and in the same year Vaclav Havel died.

10. Aung San Suu Kyi (born 1945)

One of the most prominent women in the modern political arena, Aung San Suu Kyi, from 1989 to 2010, was under house arrest for a total of more than 15 years on various charges, but in general - for Active participation in the political life of Burma. This made her one of the symbols of the struggle for civil rights not only in this country, but throughout the world.

Inspired by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, this courageous woman founded the National League for Democracy party in 1988 to oppose the military junta that seized power in Burma after the resignation of General Ne Win, head of the Burmese Socialist Program Party. "

In 1990, her party won 59% of the votes in parliamentary elections, but Aung San Suu Kyi was not allowed to head the government, for which the voting results were canceled and the woman was once again placed under house arrest. From her home in Yangon, Suu Kyi received the Nobel Peace Prize, for which her sons came to Oslo.

In 2010, Suu Kyi was released from house arrest, six days after the first free parliamentary elections in a country that became known as Myanmar in 1989. What Suu Kyi has fought for so long has finally come true: the party entered parliament, and its leader now occupies a parliamentary seat and continues his fight for civil rights and freedoms.

The ability to govern a country is quite rare. Some achieve their goals by bleeding the whole country, while others carry out smart reforms. There are many people in history who, through their activities, were able to significantly change the face of the country in the time allotted to them. As a result, their contemporaries remember them, honor them, and learn from their activities.

Any actions of great politicians affected millions of people, changing the destinies and appearance of the state. In addition, we often had to fight not only with internal enemies, but also with external ones. One thing is for sure - a politician must be charismatic in order to lead.

And in order to influence society, it is not necessary to be at the very top of power. Sometimes even while in opposition, the politician did a lot for the country. The most famous politicians in the history of civilization will be discussed below. At the same time, it would be useful to recall their most famous phrases.

Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi (1869-1948) Largely thanks to this man, India was able to rid itself of centuries-old British rule. Gandhi's work was based on his philosophy of non-violence, or satyagraha. The politician abandoned the armed struggle, as many others would have done in his place, in favor of a peaceful one. As a result, a powerful movement of supporters of non-violent change emerged in the country. The struggle for independence was carried out through peaceful resistance. Gandhi called on Indians to boycott English institutions and goods; citizens of the country even defiantly violated some laws. Caste inequality, which became the scourge of Indian society, became the subject of Gandhi's struggle. He spoke about the need to get rid of untouchability not only from temples, but also from other spheres of life. Today the name of this politician is revered in India no less than some saints. Gandhi became the spiritual leader of the nation; he devoted his entire life to reconciling the religious strife that was tearing the country apart. Sadly, it was the violence against which the politician fought that became the cause of his death. Gandhi is credited with the following words: “The world is large enough to satisfy the needs of any person, but too small to satisfy human greed” and “If you want a change in the future, be that change in the present.”

Alexander the Great (356-323 BC). This king of Macedonia and creator of a great empire is better known as one of the most successful commanders in world history. But his political activities are often forgotten. But it was he who created a new great state, which was located on three continents, covering an area of ​​more than two million square miles. The empire stretched from Greece in the West to the Danube in the north, with its southern border in Egypt and its eastern border in the Indian Punjab. The entire country was united by a single trade and transport network. At the same time, the emperor managed to found more than 70 new cities. Alexander brought a common and common Greek culture and language to his empire, and he himself did not hesitate to study the customs and morals of other peoples in order to more easily manage them. For his own army, the emperor was an unsurpassed genius and strategist. He set an example of behavior for the soldiers, instilling in them an invincible spirit. Even in their time, in antiquity, no one doubted that Alexander the Great was greatest commander. Even then he was nicknamed the Great. But Napoleon Bonaparte admired the emperor’s government talents more than his military exploits. For example, in Egypt, Alexander paid a visit to the sacred oracle of the country, Amun, which endeared him to the inhabitants. In addition, he left the former governors to govern the country, expelling the hated Persians and organizing festivities. Alexander, essentially an invader of Egypt, was able to become an idol there. The following phrases are attributed to the great politician and commander: “There cannot be two suns in the sky and two rulers on earth,” “Wars depend on glory, and often a lie that is believed becomes the truth,” “There is nothing more slavish than luxury and bliss.” , and nothing more royal than labor.”

Mao Zedong (1893-1976). This Chinese politician of the last century also became the main theoretician of Maoism. IN Communist Party Mao entered China at a young age, and in the 1930s he headed one of the regions in Jiangxi province. During the Long March, Mao managed to become one of the leaders of the country's party. In 1949, the People's Republic of China was proclaimed, and Mao Zedong became its de facto leader until the very end of his life. The rule of a leader is considered to be contradictory. On the one hand, he was able to industrialize the country, raising the standard of living of the poorest segments of the population. Mao managed to unify China, including Inner Mongolia, Tibet and East Turkestan. But these lands had the right to self-determination even after the collapse of the Qing Empire. But we must not forget about the numerous repressions that were condemned not only in capitalist countries, but also in socialist ones. Even a cult of the leader’s personality arose in the country. The most difficult legacy of the politician's rule should be considered the crippled fate of millions of people who suffered from cruel and sometimes senseless campaigns. Only one " Cultural Revolution"killed up to 20 million Chinese and affected another 100 million. In 1949, Mao came to power in a fragmented, underdeveloped and corrupt country. And he left China powerfully independent and possessing atomic weapons. Illiteracy in the country dropped from 80% to 7%, and the population and life expectancy doubled. The most famous phrases of Mao Zedong are: “The enemy will not disappear on its own,” “It is necessary to work with exceptional diligence. Carelessness is unacceptable, it often leads to mistakes”, “What is thinkable is feasible”, “A person who felt the wind of change should not build a shield from the wind, but a windmill.”

Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965). This statesman and politician determined the life of Great Britain and much of the world during difficult times. Churchill was the prime minister of this country in 1940-1945 and 1951-1955. He is also known as a journalist and writer. The Englishman entered the " Big three”, which determined the fate of the world after the end of the Second World War. It was he who largely made the world the way we know it today. Churchill became the most prominent British politician of the last century; he managed to remain in power under six monarchs - from Queen Victoria to her great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth II. There is simply no point in listing Churchill's life achievements - he managed to become talented in everything. For his political activities he was made an honorary citizen of the United States, and his literary works were awarded the Nobel Prize. Churchill's political career began before the First World War. The Englishman had already fought in the war by that time. And at the end of his career, Churchill managed to attend tests atomic bomb, weapons of the New World. The politician's appearance remained unchanged - a bowler hat, a cane and a cigar. He was also an excellent diplomat, artist and even a gardener on his own estate. A 2002 BBC poll found that the British voted Churchill the greatest Briton in history. In 1955 he left big politics, living out the rest of his days in peace. The basis of Churchill's political portrait was his commitment to democracy and total hatred of dictatorship. It is no coincidence that he said that “Democracy is the most terrible form of government, but humanity has not come up with anything better.” That is why Churchill’s attitude towards the USSR was extremely restrained; this politician coined the term “Iron Curtain” and stood at the origins of “ cold war" Churchill’s other great phrases are: “If the truth is many-sided, then the lie is many-voiced”, “Every medal not only glitters, but also casts a shadow”, “Man has expanded his power over everything except himself”, “First one must be honest, and then then - noble”, “To improve means to change, to be perfect means to change often.”

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013). This man went down in history as the first black president of South Africa. He held this post from 1994 to 1999. Mandela was one of the most famous human rights activists during the apartheid period in the country. He began his political activities for the equality of white and black people in college. In 1944, Mandela became one of the founders of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League. In South Africa, the politician pursued his line by organizing acts of sabotage and armed resistance to the authorities. For this, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment. At the trial, he made a brilliant speech, where he stated that he was being tried for his desire to build in South Africa Democratic state with equal rights for all citizens. Mandela gained worldwide fame while in solitary confinement in prison. A campaign in defense of the democratic politician swept across the world; demands for his release grew into a struggle against the entire policy of apartheid. After the legalization of the ANC in 1990, Mandela was released. In 1993 he was awarded Nobel Prize peace. Today the elder is no longer involved in active affairs. Mandela managed to peacefully, simply by his irreconcilable position, destroy one of the most monstrous regimes on the planet. At the same time, revolutions, wars, and social upheavals were not needed. Everything happened through fair parliamentary elections. The politician's birthday is celebrated all over the world as International Nelson Mandela Day. Mandela's reign was short but brilliant. Under him, free medical care was introduced for children, 2 million people received electricity, 3 million had access to water, he increased spending on education and social needs. Mandela owns such famous phrases: “To be free means not just to throw off one’s shackles, but to live, respecting and enhancing the freedom of others,” “When you climb a high mountain, a huge number of mountains open before you that have yet to be climbed,” “ One of the highest achievements for a person is to do his duty, regardless of the consequences."

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). This American statesman was the 16th President of the United States. He held this post from 1861 until his death. Lincoln became the first Republican president. It is generally considered in America national hero, because this man went down in the history of the country as a liberator of slaves. Lincoln occupies an important place in the American consciousness. He was able to prevent the collapse of the United States, and under him the formation of American nation. And slavery, as a crutch preventing the further normal development of the United States, was abolished. Lincoln laid the foundations for the modernization of the southern states of the country, previously backward and agricultural. Under him, the emancipation of slaves began. Lincoln came up with the basic formulation of democratic goals: “To create a government by the people, of the people, and for the people.” Lincoln was able to build a railroad across the entire continent, connecting the coasts of two oceans. He expanded the state infrastructure, created a new banking system, and was able to solve the agrarian problem. After the end of the Civil War, the government faced many problems. It was necessary to unite the nation and equalize the rights of the population. Lincoln began to do this, but some problems still remain. The President was able to lay the foundations for the future of America; after his death, the United States became the fastest growing country in the world. This determined her current world domination, which has been going on for a century. Lincoln's strict moral principles allowed him to mobilize all the forces of a divided country and reunite it. Lincoln's most famous phrases: “Whoever denies the freedom of another deserves no freedom himself,” “People who have no faults have very few virtues,” “You can fool a whole people some of the time, you can fool a part of the people all the time, but you cannot deceive everyone all the time”, “Sheep and wolf understand the word “freedom” differently. This is the essence of the disagreements that dominate human society”, “A politician reminds me of a man who killed his father and mother, and then, when he is sentenced, asks for his life on the grounds that he is an orphan”, “Character is like a tree, and reputation is its shadow. We care about the shade, but what we really have to think about is the tree.”

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945). This is the only president in US history who was elected this year. high post as many as 4 times. Roosevelt became the country's 32nd ruler, serving at the pinnacle of power from 1933 to 1945. The main phrase of the politician: “we have nothing to fear except fear itself.” Roosevelt repeated these words often when it came to Great Depression and its consequences. The politician was not afraid to experiment at that difficult time; he was constantly looking for new methods of solving problems. These were public works, social security, fair competition codes, assistance to the unemployed and farmers, and price controls. It was Roosevelt who was at the heart of the creation of the UN. The President, through his activities, significantly influenced world history- after all, under him, the United States relatively successfully passed through the Second World War. The politician had a very great influence on the socio-economic life of the country, because he had to deal with the consequences of the Great Depression that hit the United States in the 30s. Biographers of the politician recalled that he was a rather secretive person who was difficult to understand. On his face there was a mask of complacency and secrecy, with which Roosevelt was content. The president’s most famous words were: “I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made,” “I’m not the smartest guy in the world, but I know how to select smart employees,” “Rules are not always sacred, but principles are,” “ Hungry unemployed people are cadres for dictatorship”, “Don’t go into politics if your skin is a little thinner than that of a rhinoceros.”

Akbar the Great (1542-1605). This padishah belonged to the Great Mughal dynasty, his distant ancestor was Tamerlane himself. Akbar was nicknamed "Indian Solomon for his wisdom." This padishah was able to significantly expand the borders of his country. He conquered northern Hindustan, including Gujerat, Kashmir and the Indus lands. As a commander, he was a successful and valiant warrior, who was distinguished by his generosity towards the vanquished. But Akbar also went down in history as a wise politician. He avoided unnecessary bloodshed, often achieving his goals through peaceful negotiations, dynastic marriages and alliances. Akbar went down in history as a connoisseur of science and art; the best poets, musicians, scientists and artists constantly visited his palace. The ruler was able to create a painting school and a valuable library, which contained 24 thousand volumes. Akbar introduced a uniform system of taxation, and in case of crop failure, no funds were levied. The tax on non-Muslims was also abolished. A unified system of weights and measures, a unified calendar appeared in the empire, and much attention was paid to trade. The main task of Akbar the Great was the reconciliation of all the numerous peoples inhabiting his expanded state. The padishah remained in power for almost 50 years, becoming ruler at the age of 14. Under him, a huge empire, under the supervision and care of its padishah, reached a peak that had never been seen before or since. Akbar went down in history as the Great. This wise ruler was able to unite different peoples. His ideas of the unity of all religions are still relevant today.

Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013). This woman is the most famous among politicians. She was the only one who was Prime Minister of Great Britain. She held this post from 1979 to 1990. All this time she was the most powerful woman in the world. As a politician, Thatcher was strong personality, but honest. She was not afraid to be stubborn, but she could put herself in the position of her opponent. This woman was ambitious, she was distinguished by equanimity and composure in all situations. IN political elite oriented towards men, Thatcher was able to reach the very pinnacle of power. To achieve this, she dedicated her entire life to the struggle and pursuit of this goal. Margaret's career progressed in small steps, because she came from a low-income class. It seemed impossible for a person from that environment, and even a woman, to achieve high goals. Thatcher accomplished the impossible - the daughter of a small shop owner, who grew up in a house without running water, was able to break into male politics and take the post of Prime Minister of Great Britain. Thatcher came to power when the country was in dire need of reform. During her reign, GDP grew by 23%, employment by 33%, and spending on law and order by 53%. She reduced unemployment and introduced tax reforms. Thatcher's foreign policy focused on the United States. The prime minister supported Reagan's initiatives regarding the USSR. The woman was not afraid to start a war for the Falkland Islands, defending the positions and prestige of Great Britain. It is no coincidence that Thatcher was nicknamed the “Iron Lady” for her firmness and integrity. She is credited with the following words: “Any woman who understands the problems that arise in running a home can understand the problems that arise in running a country,” “I am extremely patient, provided that in the end it turns out my way,” “Women are much more better than men know how to say “no”, “It is not at all necessary to agree with the interlocutor in order to find a common language with him”, “Free cheese only comes in a mousetrap.”

Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC). This great ruler kingdom of Qin. The virtue of Shi Huang is called his activity in ending the centuries-old history of the warring Chinese kingdoms. In 221 BC. he was able to create a centralized state in Inner China, becoming its sole ruler. During the massive campaign to unify the country, important reforms were introduced to consolidate the gains achieved. The emperor proclaimed that all chariots should have an axle of the same length, and all hieroglyphs should be written in a standard way. As a result of such positions, a unified road system was created in the country, and the disparate writing system was replaced by a unified one. The Emperor also introduced a single monetary system, a system of weights and measures. To suppress local trends toward sovereignty, Qin Shi Huang divided his empire into 36 military regions. The walls surrounding the former kingdoms were demolished. Only their northern part remained, having strengthened them, the Great Wall of China was erected, which protected the country from the attacks of nomads. Shi Huangdi was rarely in the capital, constantly traveling around the country. The authority of the emperor was so great that a huge funeral complex was built in his honor during his lifetime. It was built by 700 thousand people, and the burial perimeter was 6 kilometers. It is curious that, unlike his predecessors, the emperor abandoned human sacrifices. The tomb was found only in 1974, and is still being studied. There turned out to be a whole terracotta army of 8099 soldiers.

Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970). This French general managed to transform from a brilliant military man into an equally talented politician. Charles de Gaulle founded the Fifth Republic, becoming its first president in 1959. The general gained fame from his leadership of the French Resistance during World War II. During his life, he managed to become a real symbol of the freedom of France, as Joan of Arc once was. In fact, Charles de Gaulle took control of the country twice. Each time she was on the verge of disaster, and the politician returned her international prestige and put the economy in order. In foreign policy, France has become an independent player, abruptly leaving the influence of the United States. There is a lot of talk not only about the merits of de Gaulle as a politician, but also about his mistakes. Surprisingly, this talented military theorist did not participate in a single historically important battle. Nevertheless, he managed to save France from defeat. A military man unfamiliar with economics was able to presidential terms effectively govern the country and bring it out of the crisis. The whole point is that de Gaulle knew how to effectively manage the affairs entrusted to him - be it a rebel committee or the government of a large country. De Gaulle’s most famous words were: “Politics is too serious a matter to be entrusted to politicians”, “Always choose the most difficult path - there you will not meet competitors”, “The deepest motivation for the activity of the best and strongest people is their desire for power” .

There cannot be unprofessional politicians. Non-professionals are either propagandists or professional provocateurs. Statesmen cannot be politicians either. There’s nothing you can do about it – these are the strict limits of the profession. Who can be a politician? The one who exercises power in subordinate bodies and, or the one who fights for power.

“Politics is not the art of the possible; Politics is the art of the impossible,” Vaclav Havel.

“Veterans” of Russian political life

Vladimir Zhirinovsky (born 1946) is one of the world's oldest politicians. In general, this could speak for itself, if not for one circumstance: the extravagant form of presenting information, once invented, dictates that he remain one of the most prominent and odious politicians of the permanent transition period throughout post-Soviet space, regardless of age. The benefits of putting on a mask once and for all this politician win-win: any of his statements and proposals either become prophetic, or he can refuse them at any time, citing misunderstanding, no matter how fiercely he defended them earlier.

Boris Nemtsov (born 1959) – currently a deputy of the Yaroslavl regional Duma sixth convocation. His political life almost ideal for a real politician: with ups and downs, storms and calms, compromising evidence and revelations of his whistleblowers. He was both a governor and a minister, held positions in the presidential apparatus and the Security Council, created parties, actively participating in modern anti-Kremlin opposition activities.

“There is no reason to refuse lunch with President Putin. But, taking this opportunity, we need to ask him unpleasant questions" - Vaclav Havel.

Vladimir Ryzhkov (born 1966) is also a moderate politician. He began his career at the age of twenty as an organizer of perestroika rallies and an ardent opponent of the State Emergency Committee. Repeatedly served as a deputy State Duma. Since 2000, one of the first oppositionists existing authorities. In February 2014, he left the RPR PARNAS party, of which he was one of the founders.

Politicians of the zero generation

Dmitry Gudkov (born 1980) is one of the youngest modern politicians and a popular political blogger. Independent of the State Duma of the sixth convocation. He was from the Just Russia party, but in March 2013 he was expelled from the SR due to irreconcilable differences with the leadership of the party, which pursues a pro-government, not opposition, line. One of the few opposition politicians in the Duma, consistently defending the opinion of the enlightened layer of the Russian public regarding the inadmissibility of adopting harsh laws that curtail the constitutional rights of citizens.

Sergei Zheleznyak (born 1970) – from the party United Russia. He is more likely to be a type of propagandist, since he systematically disseminates information that is indisputable for members of the largest party in the Duma of the sixth convocation, but controversial from both legal and humanitarian points of view. Initiates laws introducing censorship on the Internet and the media. It must be recognized that its massive impact on public opinion certainly brings the political fruits the party needs.

“Modern man must descend to the very bottom of the spiral of his own absurdity, only then can he look beyond it. It cannot be bypassed or jumped over, it cannot simply be avoided,” Vaclav Havel.

Alexey Navalny (born 1976) is a popular blogger and oppositionist. One of the brightest faces of modern Russian politics. The world's most famous fighter against Russian corruption, especially among officials and political activities in Russia, and the most famous "criminal politician." Currently, 8 criminal cases have been initiated against him. Meanwhile, Navalny is the creator and leader of such anti-corruption projects as: RosPil, RosYama, RosZhKH. While under investigation and trial in the summer of 2013, he participated in the elections for the mayor of Moscow, in which he took second place, gaining about 28 percent of the total votes. On February 28, 2014, the Ministry registered the Progress Party, which he heads. He is also known for the fact that the President of Russia never mentions his name under any circumstances.

“The difference between a statesman and a politician is that a politician focuses on the next election, while a statesman focuses on the next generation,” Winston Churchill.

Mikhail Prokhorov (born 1965) is primarily a businessman, and is involved in politics as a hobby. Despite this, upon entering politics, he immediately gained both supporters and ardent opponents. Founder of the party for the middle class and business “Civic Platform”. Having entered politics only in 2011, by March 2012, participating presidential elections, took an honorable 3rd place in the Russian Federation and an equally honorable 2nd place in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In December 2013, he handed over the reins of the party to his sister Irina Prokhorova, temporarily retiring from active political activity.

It should be noted that it is not easy to identify truly bright and popular modern politicians. Not everyone listed above can correspond to this profession one hundred percent, without deviating into adjacent areas. Many of those who come to mind first when hearing the phrase “the most famous Russian politician” are either statesmen, or propagandists, or, having become disillusioned, have said goodbye to politics forever, or they are dissidents, but position themselves not as politicians, but as public figures.

The November rating of 100 leading politicians in Russia, prepared by the Agency for Political and Economic Communications on behalf of Nezavisimaya Gazeta, reflects the final configuration of the influence of representatives of the political elite on the eve of the elections. At the finish line election race the traditional ratio of the influence of the participants in the summer and early autumn is restored and at the same time the correlation relationships within the groups are weakened.

The top 100 leading politicians in November were replenished by businessman Gennady Timchenko (37–38th place), head of the Investigative Committee Andrei Bastrykin (44–45th), Transneft President Nikolai Tokarev (86–92nd) and the plenipotentiary representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Southern Federal District Grigory Rapota (93rd–94th).

Federal administrative elite

Vladimir Putin remains the leader of the rating (9.87). In November, a very strong influence will again definitely distance the President of the Russian Federation from other politicians. And proximity to Vladimir Putin as the center of strategic decision-making is the main factor for determining the real place in power.

The gradual formalization of Putin’s new status and the final completion of the formation of the cabinet will stabilize the political system, returning traditional influence to a number of politicians. Once again, among the clear leaders is Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration Vladislav Surkov, sharing 2nd–3rd place with his colleague Igor Sechin. The top five in November is completed by Dmitry Medvedev (4th place) and Sergei Ivanov

In November, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Naryshkin (16th place) regained his previously lost positions. Representatives of the power bloc Nikolai Patrushev (8th), Rashid Nurgaliev (20–22nd), and Vladimir Ustinov (67–68th), who entered the top twenty, strengthen their rating indicators. Contrary to forecasts, FSKN director Viktor Cherkesov (30th) continues to strengthen.

The consolidated influence of functionaries of the presidential administration of the Russian Federation has strengthened: Alexei Gromov (29th place), Igor Shuvalov (39th–41st), Arkady Dvorkovich (69th–72nd). The increase in influence on the election campaign clearly increases the personal rating of the head of the Main Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation for Domestic Policy, Oleg Govorun (83–90s), who has moved up more than ten positions.

Public activity ensures the growth of influence of the head of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Golikova (26th–28th place). In November, the minister's rating exceeds the traditional indicators characteristic of her predecessor Mikhail Zurabov. The head of the Ministry of Industry and Energy, Viktor Khristenko, immediately moved up eight positions (31st–34th). A less significant increase in influence is demonstrated by Igor Levitin and Yuri Trutnev (52nd–61st places).

Party elite

The leaders of United Russia maintain a stable position. At the final stage of the pre-election marathon, Boris Gryzlov (18th place) still demonstrates a very strong influence, and the rating indicators of Vyacheslav Volodin (52–61st) are similar to those of traditional leaders parliamentary parties– Gennady Zyuganov and Vladimir Zhirinovsky. The ratings of Sergei Shoigu (24–25th), Oleg Morozov (86–92nd) and Andrei Isaev (99–103rd) increased.

In November, Sergei Mironov’s rating dropped again (39th–41st place). Declining influence of the chapter " Fair Russia“, who two months ago occupied positions comparable to Gryzlov, is very large and is apparently explained by the long-term effect of Vladimir Putin’s decision. On the contrary, another representative of the party, Alexander Babakov (99th–103rd), demonstrates stable positions.

Gennady Zyuganov (52–61st place) failed to maintain his October influence, dropping ten positions down. The rating of the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation underwent a natural correction after the “October 1 effect”, which was favorable for the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, was exhausted.

Traditionally, the LDPR election campaign turned out to be effective at the final stage. Party leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky (52–61st place) managed to rise by more than ten ranking positions.

The radicalization of the non-parliamentary opposition and an ineffective message to the voter do not allow its representatives to enter the top 100 leading politicians in November. Traditionally, the appointed representative of the Russian Federation to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin (125th–126th place), is located outside the hundred. The position of Yabloko leader Grigory Yavlinsky (130th–132nd), whose influence in November became equal to that of SPS Chairman Nikita Belykh, has significantly weakened. One of the last positions was shared by Mikhail Kasyanov and Vladimir Ryzhkov (138th–139th).

Regional elite

The stabilization of the political system also strengthened the influence of regional political leaders and their clienteles. In November, the ratings of the capital's mayor Yuri Luzhkov (13–14th place) and the governor of the Northern capital Valentina Matvienko (19–22nd), who entered the top twenty most influential politicians, increased. The rating of the leaders of the “Moscow group” Valery Shantsev (78th) and Vladimir Resin (81–83rd) remained unchanged. President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Evgeny Primakov moved up eight positions (86th–92nd). The governor of the Kaliningrad region, Georgy Boos (114th–115th), moved beyond the hundred.

The influence of the head continues to strengthen Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov (50–51st place). The opposite trend is typical for the rating of Alexander Tkachev (52–61st), who moved down ten positions. Olympic hype no longer supports the governor's ratings Krasnodar region. The influence of Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev (46th–49th) and the head of Bashkiria Murtaza Rakhimov (79th–80th), who has dropped by more than 20 positions, is decreasing. The rating of Aman Tuleyev weakened less significantly (86–92nd).

Significant changes are typical for the rating of plenipotentiary representatives of the President of the Russian Federation. Georgy Poltavchenko (69–72nd place) and Alexander Konovalov (73–77th place) strengthened their positions. Moderate influence is demonstrated by Grigory Rapota (93rd–94th). Behind the cut-off line were Pyotr Latyshev (104th–106th), Anatoly Kvashnin (110th–113th) and Oleg Safonov (116th–119th).

Business elite

Government managers are restoring their advantage over representatives of private business. Traditionally, Russian Railways President Vladimir Yakunin (15th place) has a very strong influence. Rosneft President Sergei Bogdanchikov moved up nine positions (39th–41st). Serious influence demonstrated new chapter Transneft Nikolai Tokarev (86th–92nd). A significant correction is typical for the rating of Anatoly Chubais (31st–34th), who dropped down nine rating lines. Despite the cessation of funding for the activities of the Union of Right Forces, even formal participation in the activities of this party is obvious and significantly limits the potential influence of the head of RAO UES. The impressive - 30 positions - drop in the influence of Alexander Voloshin, who moved to 91-92nd places, symbolizes the final weakening of the old Yeltsin elite.

Weakening influence is typical in November for many representatives of private business. Oleg Deripaska left the top twenty influential politicians (23rd place). Following him was Roman Abramovich (24th–25th), who dropped three positions. Andrey Kostin (62–64th) and Petr Aven (69–72nd) are losing influence. Despite the protracted “divorce” with Mikhail Prokhorov, Vladimir Potanin managed to move up four ranking lines (35th–36th). The tendency to increase influence is also characteristic of Alexey Mordashov (46th–49th).

In structure Russian elite The role of entrepreneurs who do not head large corporations, but are close to the decision-making center, is becoming increasingly noticeable. In November, a very strong influence was characteristic of the co-owner of Bank Rossiya, Yuri Kovalchuk (20–22nd place), who demonstrated a steady increase of ten ranking positions since October. Gunvor founder Gennady Timchenko (37th–38th), who immediately entered the November top 50, also has impressive potential.

APEC research methodology

The expert survey, on the results of which the rating of the 100 most influential politicians in Russia is based, is conducted using a closed questionnaire method. In November 2007, 24 experts took part in it: political scientists, political strategists, media experts, representatives of political parties.

The experts are asked the following question: “On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate the influence in the administration of the President of the Russian Federation, the government of the Russian Federation, Federal Assembly RF of the following Russian politicians?

First, each expert evaluates the influence of each of the candidates presented in the questionnaire, then the arithmetic average values ​​of expert assessments (average scores) are determined. Each expert can add personalities (no more than five) that, in his opinion, should be presented in the rating, but are not in the questionnaire. If an applicant not represented in the questionnaire is named by at least two experts, he will be assessed by all participants in the study next month.

The final rating is a consolidated assessment of the influence of 100 Russian politicians by the leaders of the Russian expert community. The personalities included in the rating based on the survey results are divided into the sections “very strong influence” (1–20), “strong influence” (21–50), and “average influence” (51–100).

List of experts

1.Political scientists, political strategists and media experts

Sergey Zverev (Public Relations Development Company), Vyacheslav Nikonov (Politics Foundation), Valery Fadeev (Expert magazine, Institute of Public Design), Igor Bunin (Center for Political Technologies), Alexey Pushkov (TVC channel), Petr Tolstoy (First channel), Sergey Brilev (Russia Channel), Dmitry Orlov (Agency for Political and Economic Communications), Kirill Tanaev (Effective Policy Foundation), Vitaly Ivanov (Russian Political Current Center), Konstantin Simonov (National Energy Security Fund), Leonid Radzikhovsky (political scientist), Andrey Kolesnikov (The New Times magazine), Alexander Budberg (Moskovsky Komsomolets), Vladimir Petukhov (VTsIOM), Maxim Dianov (Institute regional problems), Mikhail Vinogradov (Center for Russian Political Studies), Dmitry Gusev (Bakster Group).

2. Party representatives

Kostin Konstantin – “United Russia”, Kulikov Oleg – Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Levichev Nikolay – “A Just Russia”, Lebedev Igor – LDPR, Ivanenko Sergey – “Yabloko”, Gozman Leonid – SPS.

Who are politicians? These are the people involved political activity on a professional level. They hold colossal power in their hands. Many of them fall into this field by accident or due to certain circumstances. Over time, such figures begin to occupy a certain niche in the governance of the country. However, there are also people who are politicians from God. They are endowed with a special set of personal characteristics, as well as charisma, therefore masses they themselves choose them as their leaders, entrust their destinies into their hands and are ready to follow them to the end. Later in the article we will present several lists that will include Russian political figures who have gone down in history.

XVI-XVII centuries

Until the 16th century, Rus' was fragmented between princes, and each of them can safely be called a political and state leader of his time. In addition, the country was under the yoke of foreign invaders for quite a long time. At the beginning of the 17th century, individuals emerged from among the people who decided to rouse the people to fight the “occupiers.” And so, the leaders of these national liberation movements are the first political figures of Russia. Let's give the names of some of them.

• Unfortunately, exact date his birth is not in the chronicles, but it was in the second half of the 16th century. He is a folk hero and organizer of the national liberation struggle.
• Prince Dmitry Pozharsky (1578-1642) - Minin's comrade-in-arms in organizing the zemstvo militia. A monument to these two figures adorns Red Square.
• And here is the leader Peasant War 1670-1671 Stepan Razin (1630-1671), Cossack ataman raised the masses against royal power. Here is an example of a medieval Russian oppositionist.

Political figures of 19th century Russia

During the reign of Peter the Great, his daughter Elizabeth and niece Anna Ioannovna, as well as Catherine the Second and her son Paul the First, many prominent people appeared in the state. All these Russian political figures contributed to the development of their country.

The first on the list of the most significant persons, perhaps, should be the name of Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. Being one of the largest commanders in the country, he did not lose a single battle.

Prince Dmitry Golitsyn (1734-1803), a famous diplomat and scientist, defended the interests of Russia in France and Holland. He made friends with French educators, for example Voltaire.

Favorites of Catherine II

It's no secret that Catherine the Great came to power as a result of a palace coup. One of its organizers was an associate of the future empress, Alexey Orlov (1737-1807). Besides him, during the reign of this queen there were other political figures of Russia who became such thanks to the favor of the ruler of the state. Their names: Sergei Saltykov, Mikhail Miloradovich, Grigory Orlov, Alexander Ermolov, Alexander Lanskoy, Ivan Rimsky-Korsakov, Pyotr Zavodovsky, etc. It is difficult to list all the favorites of Catherine the Second, but almost each of them had some influence on the country’s politics at a certain time period of time.

The first revolutionaries

During the reign of the above-mentioned queen, one of the most enlightened minds of that time was Alexander Nikolaevich Radishchev (1749-1802). With progressive and revolutionary thinking, he was ahead of his time, advocating the abolition of serfdom in the country. The followers of his ideas were: Russian revolutionary Nikolai Ogarev (1813-1877), poet and publicist, as well as his closest friend Herzen and Mikhail Bakunin (1814-1876) - anarchist theorist who was a participant in the French, German and Czech revolutions of 1848-1849 .
Their “opponent” can be called Alexei Arakcheev (1769-1834) - the all-powerful temporary worker of Tsar Alexander I.

On the list of outstanding politicians One cannot help but mention Sergei Witte (1849-1915) of the 19th century. His contribution to the development of the state cannot be compared with anything. It can be said that thanks to his innovative ideas, the country made a great leap forward.

Early 20th century (pre-revolutionary period)

With the advent of the twentieth century in Russia, many parties entered the political field: Mensheviks, Bolsheviks, Octobrists, Socialist Revolutionaries, Social Democrats, Narodniks, etc. Naturally, the leaders of each of them can be safely included in the list of “Political figures of Russia of the 20th century (beginning)” "

Among them the most outstanding personality was Georgy Plekhanov (1856-1918) - one of the leaders of Menshevism. During the revolution of 1905-1907. he led an active struggle against the tactics and strategy of the Bolsheviks. Alexander Kerensky (1881-1970), who is famous for being chosen as the head of the provisional government after the bourgeois revolution, in his political views was a Socialist Revolutionary. Another prominent Russian political figure was Pavel Milyukov (1859-1943). He was the chairman of the CDPR, which was one of the leading ones in the country. The prominent landowner and political figure Pyotr Stolypin was also an ardent monarchist. Admiral Kolchak (1873-1920) - commander Black Sea Fleet During the First World War in the post-revolutionary period, he stood out for his counter-revolutionary views. The same can be said about Baron Wrangel (1878-1928) and Anton Denikin. During the war years they led the White Guard army. But in the south of Russia, the counter-revolutionary forces were controlled by Nestor Makhno (1889-1934), or, as he was popularly called, Old Man Makhno. He has committed more than one terrorist attack. It adjoined

These famous Russian political figures were considered heroes for 73 years. Legends were formed about their lives, novels were written, cities, factories and schools, Komsomol and pioneer detachments were named after them. These are the leaders of the Bolsheviks, and later - the Communist
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (Ulyanov). Born in 1870, died in 1924 as a result of a terrorist attack. Scientist, revolutionary, famous political figure. Afterwards he was recognized as the leader of the peoples who were part of the USSR - a country created on his recommendation.

Lenin's associate and one of the outstanding Bolshevik revolutionaries was Mikhail Kalinin (1875-1946). In 1923 he was elected chairman of the Central Executive Committee Soviet Union.

Iron Felix is ​​the famous security officer Dzerzhinsky, about whose cruelty in Lately many have heard. He was one of the most ideological revolutionaries, although he came from a noble family. Almost from the very first days of the creation of the USSR, he became the head of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs.

(real name Bronstein) is also an outstanding revolutionary figure in the Soviet Union. However, after that he began to criticize the Soviet leadership, especially Stalin, for which he was expelled from the country. After long wanderings around Europe, he settled in Mexico, where he began writing a book about Joseph Dzhugashvili, the new leader of the Soviet people. It was Stalin who gave the order to liquidate Trotsky. He died in 1940 as a result of an assassination attempt.

General Secretaries of the CPSU Central Committee

Who could be more famous in the Land of Soviets than political figures of the USSR and Russia (after the collapse of the Union). Among them, the first secretaries of the pariah occupy a leading position. Below is their complete list.

Political figures of modern Russia

At the beginning of this list, of course, are the names of the people who were at the origins of the creation of the new Russian state. And the first among them is Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin. He was a former communist figure, but also became the leader of an independent Russian state and the first popularly elected president. Russian Federation. In 2000, he was forced to resign due to health reasons.

After Yeltsin left the political arena, his duties were temporarily entrusted to an unknown young Petersburger, V. Putin. However, today no political figures in Russia of the 21st century can compete with him in popularity among the people. He was twice elected president of a great power and, at the end of his second term, handed over the reins of power to his compatriot Dmitry Medvedev, taking over the post of prime minister. However, after the end of his first term, Medvedev returned the “presidential baton” to Putin, and he himself took the position of prime minister. In a word, Vladimir Vladimirovich took the post of president of the largest state in the world for the third time.

Leaders of political parties in the Russian Federation

As at the end of the 19th century, in the 90s of the 20th century in Russian state Many political parties have appeared, among which the largest are “United Russia”, “Yabloko”, LDPR, Communist Party of the Russian Federation, etc. Their leaders, respectively, are V. Putin and D. Medvedev, G. Yavlinsky, V. Zhirinovsky, G. Zyuganov.

Instead of a conclusion

The above lists of outstanding political figures in Russia, of course, cannot be called complete. Over the centuries-old history there have been many more of them. However, the names of politicians who are included in them can be called the most significant.