Former President Barack Obama gave a candid reflection on global leadership while speaking at London’s O2 Arena, where he addressed an audience of over 14,000. During an on-stage Q&A, Obama didn’t mince words when describing one of the recurring issues he sees at the root of global crises: aging leaders unwilling to let go of power.
“It’s fair to say that 80% of the world’s problems involve old men hanging on and who are afraid of death and insignificance, and they won’t let go,” Obama told the crowd.
He went on to paint a vivid picture of the insecurity driving many of these figures. “They build pyramids, and they put their names on everything, and they get very anxious about it. History is not short of those figures; sadly, neither is the present.”
OBAMA: It's fair to say that 80% of the world's problems involve old men hanging on who are afraid of death and insignificance, and they won't let go. They build pyramids, and they put their names on everything. They get very anxious about it. pic.twitter.com/POWcEpyYGr
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 25, 2025
Obama believes generational turnover in leadership is critical if societies are to confront challenges with fresh ideas and energy.
Throughout his presidency and after, Obama has often emphasized the role of young people in shaping the future. At the O2, he reminded the crowd that younger generations have the power to help bend the moral arc of the universe, but only if they’re allowed to lead.
Global politics continues to be dominated by long-serving, older leaders clinging to power. From international conflicts to domestic policies, Obama suggested that the fear of mortality and obscurity among these leaders often fuels decisions that destabilize nations and hold back progress.
