Hamish Macdonald delves into the lives and motives of eight leaders. From autocratic strongmen to democratic internationalists, from left to right to far right, Take Me To Your Leader! examines the cultural, historical, geographical and personal origins underpinning the ambitions of the people on the world stage. How well do we really know them, and what would we uncover if we asked their friends, enemies, colleagues and observers to 'Take me to Your Leader?
06 | Bongbong Marcos: the return of a disgraced dynasty
Ferdinand Marcos Jr, better known as “Bongbong”, is the president of the Philippines. His popularity skyrocketed in recent years, particularly among Gen Z, thanks to his stardom on tiktok. But it was almost 40 years ago that he fled the country as a young governor when his father’s authoritarian and corrupt government was overturned in a dramatic coup.
10/10/2023 • 33 minutes, 3 seconds
05 | Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: The Shapeshifting Sultan
Recep Tayip Erdoğan’s maintained power for over 20 years by being all things to all people.
10/3/2023 • 35 minutes, 43 seconds
04 | Emmanuel Macron: International Charmer
Emmanuel Macron is a straight-talking, ambitious global figure who wants France to help solve the challenges of our time. But at home, he’s a divisive leader who faces a wave of discontent.
So how did Emmanuel Macron start his own party and effectively come from nowhere to win two elections as the youngest president in French history. How will the charismatic centrist storming The Élysée Palace fare as far-right populism sweeps Europe?
9/26/2023 • 43 minutes
03 | Ursula von der Leyen: the most powerful woman in the world?
Ursula von der Leyen is not easy to box. A mother of seven and medical doctor who once lived undercover, under a false identity in London before entering politics, has had a remarkable career. She rose through the ranks in the German parliament in the shadow of Angela Merkel, before being tapped on the shoulder for the president of the European Commission.
9/19/2023 • 38 minutes, 30 seconds
03 | Ursula von der Leyen: the most powerful woman in the world?
Ursula von der Leyen is not easy to box. A mother of seven and medical doctor who once lived undercover, under a false identity in London before entering politics, has had a remarkable career. She rose through the ranks in the German parliament in the shadow of Angela Merkel, before being tapped on the shoulder for the president of the European Commission.
9/19/2023 • 38 minutes, 30 seconds
02 | Joe Biden: Does he still have what it takes?
Joe Biden is America’s oldest ever president. He wants to stay in the White House another four years and is now campaigning for a second term. If he wins that term, he’ll be 86-years-old by the time he leaves office.
9/12/2023 • 0
S2 01 | Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "Exactly the right man"
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy has captured the world’s attention and admiration like few leaders can. When Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022, the comic actor turned wartime leader became the face of Ukraine’s resistance. He refused offers of evacuation, famously telling Joe Biden he needed ammunition, not a ride.
9/5/2023 • 39 minutes
INTRODUCING — Season Two: Take Me To Your Leader
There’s a lot going on in the world right now; disruption, upheaval, and conflict. Long-running superpowers are teetering while others are emerging.
