Vladimir Putin’s built an image of the strong leader, bare chested fishing or riding a horse. A Martial arts expert, former intelligence agent and ruthless leader.

But what’s behind the strongman persona? And has he put everything on the line with this current war?  We hear from people who know him.

She’s lauded as a trailblazer for being Italy’s first female prime minister, but in her youth she also praised Mussolini. It begs the question, is Giorgia Meloni a feminist or a fascist? As we find out in this episode, the answer is not so simple. We hear how Meloni rose to power and what her far-right nationalist agenda will mean for Italy and Europe. 

Mohammed bin Salman has been described as one of the world’s most dangerous millennials. He’s also been touted by some as Saudi Arabia’s progressive reformer. Who is Crown Prince Salman or MBS as he is commonly known, and what does his leadership mean for the future of Saudi Arabia and the region?

Xi Jinping is one of the most powerful leaders in the world today and he could rule for life. But how much do we really know about him? With China’s strict censorship laws, it’s hard to get the full picture. How did he rise to power and what does his power mean for the world? 

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi…some of the leaders radically reshaping today’s world. Who are they and what drives them? 

Join Hamish Macdonald as he 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. 

Listen on the ABC listen app.