In any case, global comparative experiences are indicative of the fact that many transformative leaders ‘cut their teeth’ in political engagements as young men and women. These range from the ancient military and political rulers, such as Alexander the Great, one of the most influential people in history (who succeeded his father as king of Macedon at age 20; created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, from Greece to India, at age 30); to 12th and 13th century greats, such as Genghis Khan (who was elected Khan of the Mongols at 24, became sole ruler of Mongol Empire at 35); to nineteenth century great political leaders, such as Napoleon Bonaparte (who became a general at 24 and built and ruled over a large empire in continental Europe at 35); to 20th century revolutionary types, such as Fidel Castro (27-30), Che Guevara (28-31). Others are the African greats, such as Mandela (who joined ANC at 25, became chairman of ANC Transvaal branch and organized the famous 1952 Defiance Campaign against Apartheid at 34, was subsequently jailed for 27 years, and later became elected president of South Africa in 1994); Thomas Sankara (33), Gowon (32), Murtala Mohammed (37); to early colonial and post-colonial nationalist/political activists, such as Sekou Toure (36), Mahathir Mohammed (21), Indra Ghandi (30); and other acknowledged global change agents, such as John F. Kennedy (36), Margaret Thatcher (34) Tony Blair (30), Angela Markel (36) Obama (36), etc.
