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Heads of State Discuss Global Politics

"We observe the constant erosion of leaders," Suchoka said.

"We live in a time when it is about short term thinking," Lubbers said. "This is a real handicap and a challenge for a leader who needs to give hope and perspective for the future."

Lubbers blamed this, in part, on "the growth of television" as a social force.

Schmidt argued that successful leadership is often the result of strong national institutions guided by elites.

Schmidt argued that good leadership "will be the result of elites governing society well" and that "the grass roots will more or less follow."

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Smith, on the other hand, said she approached the issue of leadership itself with an attitude she calls "faith in human nature."

"When leaders do not understand the problems, the people will come to solutions," she said.

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