Transformative Political Leadership - by Robert I Rotberg (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Accomplished political leaders have a clear strategy for turning political visions into reality. Through well-honed analytical, political, and emotional intelligence, leaders chart paths to promising futures that include economic growth, material prosperity, and human well-being. Alas, such leaders are rare in the developing world, where often institutions are weak and greed and corruption strong-and where responsible leadership therefore has the potential to effect the greatest change. In Transformative Political Leadership, Robert I. Rotberg focuses on the role of leadership in politics and argues that accomplished leaders demonstrate a particular set of skills. Through illustrative case studies of leaders who have performed ably in the developing world-among them Nelson Mandela in South Africa, Seretse Khama in Botswana, Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore, and Kemal Ataturk in Turkey-Rotberg examines how these leaders transformed their respective countries. The importance of capable leadership is woefully understudied in political science, and this book will be an important tool in exploring how leaders lead and how nations and institutions are built.

Review Quotes

"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" (3/15/2013 12:00:00 AM)

"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" (7/30/2013 12:00:00 AM)

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" (7/15/2012 12:00:00 AM)

"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

"In a period of renewed interest in leadership, Transformative Political Leadership should foster discussion of the qualities that distinguish the people who make profound, positive differences in the futures of their countries."--Jennifer Widner, Princeton University

--Jennifer Widner, Princeton University

"Robert I. Rotberg offers a carefully detailed, deeply insightful analysis of how great leaders can overcome daunting challenges to put their countries on a better path. Transformative Political Leadership offers important lessons that will resonate far beyond the developing world. A must-read for anyone interested in improving political leadership."--Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard University, author of SuperCorp: How Vanguard Companies Create Innovation, Profits, Growth, and Social Good

--Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard University

"Drawing on his years of firsthand experience in the developing world, Robert I. Rotberg illuminates the crucial role of transformational leaders. He uses clear prose and compelling examples to show why these leaders make such an important difference in political cultures that lack strong national institutions."--Joseph Nye, Harvard University--Joseph Nye, Harvard University

"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

About the Author

Robert I. Rotberg is the former director of the Program on Intrastate Conflict and Conflict Resolution at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and former president emeritus of the World Peace Foundation. He is the author or editor of numerous books, among them When States Fail, China into Africa, and A Leadership for Peace.