The World's Most Powerful People 2009

[Inkognito]

You idiots should read from time to time...

In compiling our first ranking of the World's Most Powerful People we wrestled with these questions--and many more--before deciding to define power in four dimensions. First, we asked, does the person have influence over lots of other people? Pope Benedict XVI, ranked 11th on our list, is the spiritual leader of more than a billion souls, or about one-sixth of the world's population, while Wal-Mart ( WMT - news - people ) CEO Mike Duke (No. 8) is the largest private-sector employer in the United States.

Then we assessed the financial resources controlled by these individuals. Are they relatively large compared with their peers? For heads of state we used GDP, while for CEOs, we looked at a composite ranking of market capitalization, profits, assets and revenues as reflected on our annual ranking of the World's 2000 Largest Companies. In certain instances, like New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller (No. 51), we judged the resources at his disposal compared with others in the industry. For billionaires, like Bill Gates (No. 10), net worth was also a factor.

Next we determined if they are powerful in multiple spheres. There are only 67 slots on our list--one for every 100 million people on the planet--so being powerful in just one area is not enough to guarantee a spot. Our picks project their influence in myriad ways. Take Italy's colorful prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi (No. 12) who is a politician, a media monopolist and owner of soccer powerhouse A.C. Milan, or Oprah Winfrey (No. 45) who can manufacture a best-seller and an American President.

Lastly, we insisted that our choices actively use their power. Ingvar Kamprad, the 83-year-old entrepreneur behind Ikea and the richest man in Europe, was an early candidate for this list, but was excluded because he doesn't exercise his power. On the other hand, Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin (No. 3) scored points because he likes to throw his weight around by jailing oligarchs, invading neighboring countries and periodically cutting off Western Europe's supply of natural gas.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/09/wor...-09-intro.html

[Kizzang]

money. is the reason googles founders are on there. nothing to read.

[Inkognito]

Everyone on the list has money. If money was the only component, Bill Gates wouldn't be 11.

[Bluntman!?!]

On the other hand, Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin (No. 3) scored points because he likes to throw his weight around by jailing oligarchs, invading neighboring countries and periodically cutting off Western Europe's supply of natural gas.

Yes I figured as much, of course money isn't the only standard to be on the list or else Oprah wouldn't be, she is rich but not the richest women in the world. Neither would Bill Clinton but it just so happens both those people have power and influence.

The founders of google can access every sick site you search for and your IP, that is power.

[Kizzang]

But none of these people would be there with out money. money enables them, made them. some just happen to use it as such

[Bluntman!?!]

What made some of them powerful would be life long connections and heritage whether that was a result of race, wealth, or religion. Trust me son power is one of many aspects that matter more than money. However they achieve it does not matter in the end.

[Inkognito]

All I said was that money was not the only reason...

"Everyone on that list has money" = "But none of these people would be there with out money"

[EddieThaDuke]

straight goods tho i think crazy dictators with huge armies and mad weapons r a lil more powerful

[Kizzang]

All I said was that money was not the only reason...

"Everyone on that list has money" = "But none of these people would be there with out money"

Word. and all I said was money was reason enough.

[Inkognito]

Fair enough......give me some money!