“Robert I. Rotberg’s imaginative focus—political leadership of developing countries—throws a unique and brilliant light on the complexities of leading during crisis and change. The eloquently written case studies of leaders, from Ataturk to Mandela, illuminate the tricky navigation of political transition, so urgently needed in today’s roiling world.”

Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Management, University of Southern California, author of Still Surprised: A Memoir of a Life in Leadership

“Compelling, straightforward, and accessible, Transformative Political Leadership brings the insights of leadership studies to bear on the challenges of nation builders in the developing world. The result is a very thought-provoking addition to the field of development that is sure to stimulate healthy controversy.”

William Ascher, Claremont McKenna College

Refreshingly different, compelling, and confident. That institutions matter for good governance and economic success is widely believed among political scientists and economists, but how to transition from bad to good institutions is the trillion dollar question. It is here that Rotberg gives hope to the hopeless: when institutions are weak and incentives are sufficiently fluid, the right kind of political leader can usher in the institutions that sustain long-run success.

Public Choice

"Drawing on firsthand experience in the Global South, Robert I. Rotberg makes a strong case for compelling, enlightened political leadership in developing countries, where transformative rule has mostly been lacking since independence. Such effective leaders must possess high degrees of analytical, political, and, in particular, emotional intelligence, which involves the ability to empathize. . . . Recommended."

Choice

“Robert Rotberg’s Transformative Political Leadership is a distinguished addition to the literature. Drawing on his extensive experience in the developing world, Rotberg illustrates transformative leadership with four compelling cases: Nelson Mandela in South Africa, Serfetse Khama in Botswana, Lee Kwan Yew in Singapore, and Kemal Ataturk in Turkey.”

Political Science Quarterly