Choose one modern day leader who you believe follows Locke’s philosophy and one modern day leader who follows Hobbes philosophy. Describe what characteristics each leader possesses that leads you to believe he/she follows the specific philosophy. Discuss any historical circumstances surrounding each leader that might have influenced him/her to choose to lead using this particular philosophy.

One modern day leader who follows Locke’s philosophy would be Pope Francis.

Pope Francis believes in the  natural rights of individuals and wants to ensure

equality amongst people, similarly to Locke. According to the article “What

should our political leaders take away from Pope Francis’ Visit, “The

teachings of this pope or any religious leader may at times align with the

secular commandment to "form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure

domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare

and secure the blessings of liberty." This secular commandment resembles that of what's

written in Jefferson’s theories in the declaration of independence, which

was inspired by the ideologies of Locke. When the Pope has to make important

decisions regarding the church, these “natural rights” are kept in mind, thereby

portraying a historical circumstance in which he is influenced to make decisions

using this philosophy.  Additionally, one modern day leader who follows Hobbes

philosophy would be Kim Jong Un, dictator of North Korea. Hobbes believed that

the best form of government was that of an absolute monarchy, and he feared any

other factors that would interfere with that way of government. For example,

Hobbes believed religion could become a source of civil war, thus he advised that the

church become a department of the kings government. This fear of interference of an

already strict system is that in which a modern day dictator does today, therefore justifies

how Hobbes and Un rule similarly.