The Third World :: Society Leadership Governmental Essays

The Third World The Third World has undergone an intense transformation over the past century. It has encountered the slow progression from a traditional society to the brink of modernization. Two of the most influential components of this extensive transformation are leadership and ideology. They have left an indelible mark on the Third World and have helped to define the direction of this revolution and its influence on the rest of the modern world. Third World leadership has played a significant role in the success and implementation of reform which has resulted in the legitimacy and stabilization of governments. It has also produced a formidable presence on the global scene in terms of economic trade and a strong military threat. The personality of many of these leaders is defined in their charisma and nationalism. One of the first prominent leaders of the Third World was Nasser of Egypt. He leaped upon the scene during the infamous Alexandria speech. During his address, an assassination attempt failed as four shots were fired and missed him. The crowd ducked in chaos, but rose to the voice of Nasser as he uttered "I live for Egypt, I die for Egypt." Immediately, the crowd and the rest of Egypt rallied behind Nasser. His reign resulted from a military takeover that succeeded the speech. He was seen as a type of God and his charisma resulted in revolutionary reform that included agrarian reform and the seizure of the Suez canal from the British. Nasser single-handedly brought the ancient feudal system to a halt by closing the gap between the rich elite and the poor through comprehensive agrarian reform. He also defied the British and their hold on the Suez canal. He displayed tremendous imagination in his successful stand against the invasion of England, France, and Israel by inspiring the civil ians to take to the streets and fight with their teeth, knives and fists. Instantly, his fame spread throughout the Third World. He became a source of inspiration and precedence in the modernization of the underdeveloped world. Later, other charismatic leaders such as Quadafi of Libya, Castro of Cuba, and Hussein of Iraq helped solidify the trend of centralized military governments led by strong dictators. These men are disliked and beguiled by most of the developed world, but they are beloved by their people. This affection is seen by the overwhelming approval ratings of these leaders.