In recent years, there has been a noticeable resurgence of masculine leadership across the globe. From political leaders to corporate executives and cultural icons, the emphasis on traditional masculinity—strength, decisiveness, and dominance—seems to be reasserting itself in various spheres of life. While female leaders continue to make strides, the question arises: Is the world shifting back towards a more masculine ethos?
The Rise of Masculine Leadership
Masculine leadership has long been associated with authority, command, and control. Figures such as Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and others advocate for a return to traditional masculine values, emphasizing responsibility, resilience, and self-sufficiency. In politics, leaders like Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Xi Jinping exhibit strongman leadership, reinforcing a perception that assertive and, at times, authoritarian traits are the most effective in governing an increasingly chaotic world.
In Europe, Viktor Orbán of Hungary and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey also exemplify nationalist, patriarchal governance, appealing to conservative values and a return to tradition. Narendra Modi in India, known for his strong nationalist agenda, further represents the rise of dominant masculine leadership in global politics.
In Africa, leaders like Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda have displayed strong-willed, authoritative leadership, often consolidating power to maintain political control. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa presents a more diplomatic approach, balancing masculine decisiveness with negotiation and economic strategy.
In Australia, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was known for his assertive leadership style, emphasizing national security and economic resilience, while his successor Anthony Albanese has taken a more inclusive yet firm approach to governance.
The business world is also seeing a return to assertive leadership styles, with many CEOs and entrepreneurs embracing competitive, aggressive strategies to navigate economic challenges. Tech moguls like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos exemplify a hard-charging, risk-taking approach, which many perceive as the epitome of masculine leadership.
The Role of Female Leaders
Despite the resurgence of masculine leadership, many female leaders have gained recognition for their ability to balance strength with empathy. Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, demonstrated compassionate leadership, particularly during crises such as the Christchurch mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her decision to step down from office, citing the need for balance and well-being, highlighted a different leadership approach from the relentless power-driven model seen in many male counterparts.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has successfully navigated the EU through challenging times, advocating for diplomacy while maintaining a firm stance on global conflicts. Kamala Harris, as the first female U.S. Vice President, represents the breaking of historical gender barriers, though she faces challenges in asserting her authority in a traditionally male-dominated political space.
Margaret Thatcher remains a significant example of a woman who adapted to masculine leadership norms to gain power. Known for her unwavering decision-making and hard-line policies, she was often referred to as “the Iron Lady,” illustrating how women in leadership sometimes adopt dominant masculine traits to gain credibility.
In Africa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, has emerged as a strong yet collaborative leader, balancing economic expertise with diplomatic negotiation. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia, also demonstrated a blend of resilience and empathy, leading her country through post-war recovery.
In Australia, Julia Gillard, the country’s first female Prime Minister, faced significant gendered opposition but maintained a strong leadership style, advocating for education and social reform.
Cultural and Social Shifts
Socially, the rise of masculine leadership is accompanied by a broader cultural shift. The resurgence of “alpha male” ideology in self-help, fitness, and lifestyle industries suggests a growing appeal for men to reclaim a strong, assertive identity in response to perceived societal shifts that have weakened traditional masculinity. Figures like Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and Andrew Tate continue to shape male perspectives on leadership, advocating for self-reliance, assertiveness, and personal success.
Social media platforms amplify these trends, with influencers promoting both hyper-masculine and progressive leadership models. Figures like Patrick Bet-David and Dan Bilzerian reinforce traditional masculinity through wealth, power, and self-discipline, while others like Simon Sinek and Brené Brown emphasize a balance of assertiveness and emotional intelligence in leadership.
Conversely, feminist movements and gender equality advocates continue to challenge these norms, pushing for a redefinition of leadership that integrates both masculine and feminine qualities. Leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) champion progressive values, advocating for inclusivity and systemic change, contrasting the dominant power-based approach of many male leaders.
The world is witnessing a tug-of-war between these two paradigms, leaving many to wonder which will ultimately define the future.
The Future: Balance or Backslide?
The real question is whether the resurgence of masculine leadership signals a regressive backslide or an evolution toward a more balanced leadership model. Ideally, societies should aim for a blend of leadership styles that incorporate the best of both masculine and feminine energies—strength tempered by empathy, decisiveness balanced with collaboration.
How Can We Use This to Enhance Our Lives and the World?
Rather than viewing masculinity and femininity as opposing forces, we can harness the best aspects of both to foster a more effective leadership model. Emphasizing strength, resilience, and decisiveness while also integrating empathy, cooperation, and inclusivity can create a well-rounded approach to leadership at all levels of society.
- In Business: Leaders can balance assertiveness with emotional intelligence, creating workplace cultures that encourage innovation while fostering employee well-being.
- In Politics: Governments can benefit from integrating both power-driven and people-centered policies, ensuring stability while addressing social concerns.
- In Personal Development: Individuals can cultivate confidence and independence while also embracing compassion and emotional awareness, leading to more fulfilling relationships and career success.
- In Society: Encouraging a balance of masculine and feminine traits in education and media representation can help future generations break free from restrictive gender stereotypes, fostering inclusivity and personal growth.
As we move forward, it is crucial to question whether the re-emergence of masculine leadership is a natural reaction to modern challenges or a resistance to progress in gender equality. The world does not necessarily need to become “more masculine” or “more feminine”; rather, it should strive for leadership that embodies a holistic, adaptable approach to the complexities of the 21st century.
What do you think? Is the resurgence of masculine leadership a step forward or a return to outdated norms?
