Most Powerful Entity on Earth

Power

The US President has been often acclaimed in the media to be the most powerful man. At a simple glance it appears to be true. Being the head of the most powerful Military, backed up by expertise in Science, Technology, having the numero uno position in world of finance, economy and being the hub of innovation. Decision taken by the POTUS could spell the death-knell for many.

It's no wonder that many of the dignitaries want a chance to schedule a meet with the POTUS as they feel it as an endorsement of themselves never mind their political affiliation. 

 

Image Source: Wikipedia

However I have always held it to be untrue. For me there are many other candidates who can be comparable to the POTUS as the most powerful entities.

The Federal Reserve Chairperson

 

Image source: Wikipedia

A worthy candidate to be considered as a powerful person. Simple words spoken by him can create a panic or prosperity in the world of finance which now rules the entire world. Economies could be destroyed or created based on the decision that pertains to the Interest rates that are determined. A tough economy could leave the President looking weak and thus cause the attack of others on him. Many rulers have been ruined on account of bad economic conditions leaving them looking like lame ducks. The influence of Federal Reserve Chairperson extends far beyond to other countries economic policies as well along with Global Economic policy.

Corporates

 

Image Source: Wikipedia

With some Corporations having capital that could dwarf many of the Countries Foreign Reserves it is no doubt that they could also be considered as worthy candidates of being very powerful. Many believe that Corporations control the world based on their Economic might, proximity to the elite political circles, constant efforts due to lobbying. On the basis of their economic might they could affect the fortunes of many countries, lobby on behalf of some countries to change the overall economic policies, bring about changes in the economic structures that could prove to be quite beneficial to them in the long run. Many corporations including those with Financial expertise could prove to be dangerous. Thus on a hindsight the corporate Czars could be worthy candidates to be the most powerful person in the world.

Intelligence Chiefs

 

Image Source: Wikipedia

With the revelations pertaining to the activities of the intelligence agencies it is small wonder if they emerge to be high on this list on account of the knowledge they possess. Various spying activities are done to increase their knowledge about the behaviour of the target and thus gain more power. It is a little wonder then if Journalists, Bureaucrats, Politicians feel intimidated by the Bureau Chiefs. There exists a precedence for an Intelligence Chief to have been feared, respected, loathed by all in the US

Academicians/Authors/Intellectuals

 

Image Source: Wikipedia 

Many consider Knowledge as being the ultimate source of power. On the basis of this Academicians, Grass root level Activists et al could be considered as being worthy candidates. The Academicians perform a very complex role that escapes the attention of the society. Not only do they impart knowledge to the students and society but they also keep abreast of the changes that happen in the society and evaluate the consequences of the policy followed on the society. The Austerity Program in the EU is followed on the basis of research undertaken by the Economists. An eminent Economist is the RBI chief at present. Since Academicians and even authors state ideas that influence the minds of the people hence the saying “Pen is more mightier than the sword.”Besides nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.

Religious Authorities

 

Image Source: Wikipedia 

Earlier the most powerful entity was the religious authorities. They still do retain certain vestiges of power. However not comparable to the scenario as before. But many seek audience with them to further public acceptability and with a belief that nearness to God along with remission for mistakes could be obtained. 

Beauty



Image Credit: Wikipedia (The Birth of Venus)
It is very well known that many women (and even men) value Beauty. This is because they equate Beauty as being power. Those blessed with beauty can make demands and many kowtow to these demands as well. There have been many instances of Wars (not kidding , google about Helena of Troy), enmity caused in quest to gain the companionship of beautiful women. People have soft corner for those blessed with beauty. Something that is not accepted but displayed subconsciouly. 

But then it is quite possible that there could exist candidates beyond those mentioned above who are quite powerful.

Image Source: Wikipedia

For as once mentioned in George R. R. Martin's "The Game of Thrones" by Lord Varys "Power is a curious thing... Some say knowledge is power. Some tell us that all power comes from the gods. Others say it derives from law...Power resides where men believe it resides...A shadow on the wall...yet shadows can kill. And ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”