An aging generation of mostly male leaders is presently occupying the commanding heights of the most powerful states around the world.

They share a similar narcissism, they are intellectually limited, and all are morally bankrupt. The good thing is that they are a dying breed.

Three — among several — world leaders are standout examples of the political dinosaurs presently dominating global politics.

 In America, Trump’s narcissism, short attention span, and lack of a moral core are reinforced by the sycophants in his inner circle. They pander to his worst instincts, jockeying among themselves to take over as soon as his days end. Trump’s MAGA base maintains its blind faith in him even though he is neither with them, nor for them; he is there only for himself. While women constitute a part of his base, it’s mainly composed of poorly educated, middle-aged, unemployed or under-employed, overweight, gun-toting white men.

Many suffer from poor physical and mental health. Many lead risky lifestyles (booze, smoking, drugs, poor diets), limiting their life expectancy. Some have criminal records. Many experience violence in their daily lives. It’s a sad fact that the majority of Trump’s base are the gullible victims of his fake MAGA ideology. But it’s not just Trump who has abandoned them; they belong to a generation long-abandoned by the Democrat and Republican elites.

In Russia, Putin’s vainglorious ambition to resurrect the defunct Soviet Empire menaces the whole of Europe. Unlike Trump, Putin’s mind has been shaped by his years in the KGB. His temperament is icy-cold and his strategising is sharply focused. He exercises power ruthlessly, sending undercover........

© Pearls and Irritations