Vladimir Putin is the world's most powerful man for the third year running, says Forbes. The magazine released they're annual ranking of the most influential men and women on the globe and Putin is once again featured at the top of the list, trumping German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama.
Forbes described Putin as 'one of the few men in the world powerful enough to do what he wants --and get away with it.' Russia's head of state continues to enjoy soaring approval ratings at home despite the scorn heaped on him by the international community for his invasion of the Crimean Peninsula.
Putin's decision to launch air strikes against ISIS insurgents in Syria together with his face-to-face meeting with President Bashar Assad 'helped rebuild Russian influence abroad' says Forbes.
Merkel continued her reign as the planet's most powerful woman. The 61 year-old German Chancellor climbed from no. 5 to no. 2 due to her role in the Greek financial crisis and continued stewardship over Europe's leading economy.
'She fought off a national recession during the global economic crisis with stimulus packages and government subsidies for companies that cut hours for workers, and she is in the thick of trying to help Greece revive its economy.' Reads Forbes profile on Merkel.
As for Obama, his descent to No. 3 marks the first time a sitting US president hasn't featured in the top 2 spots of Forbes' list.
'As Obama enters the final year of his presidency, it's clear his influence is shrinking, and it's a bigger struggle than ever to get things done.' Says Forbes. At home, his approval ratings are perpetually stuck under 50%; abroad, he's outshined by Angela Merkel in Europe, and outmaneuvered by Putin in the Middle East.
To see the full rankings check out Forbes.com.
