The study, encompassing 195 countries, finds that 65 world leaders were educated in the US, and 58 in the UK. This represents 43% of the world’s countries, underscoring the dominance of English-language education and the robust university systems of the US and the UK.
The Higher Education Policy Institute’s 2023 Soft-Power Index revealed a notable trend in global leadership and education: over one-quarter of the world’s countries are led by individuals educated in the UK, and a similar proportion by those educated in the US. This data from the seventh annual index emphasizes the significant influence of British and American higher education systems on global leadership.
The index tracks serving world leaders (monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers) who received higher education in countries other than their own. In 2023, the gap between the number of world leaders educated in the US and the UK has narrowed. There are two more countries with leaders educated in the UK and two fewer with leaders educated in the US compared to the previous year. Currently, 65 world leaders were educated in the US, while 58 received education in the UK.
Image Source: HEPI’s 2023 Soft-Power Index
Educational influence of other nations
The global context is diverse, with 195 countries considered in the study. Approximately 28 percent (54 countries) have at least one senior leader educated in the US, and 27 percent (53 countries) have leaders educated in the UK. The total number of countries with leaders educated in either the US or the UK is 84, representing 43 percent of the world’snationss.
The dominance of the US and UK in educating global leaders is attributed to their robust university systems, international connections, and the prevalence of English as a common language. France and Russia followed, with 30 and 10 leaders educated in these countries, respectively. Other notable countries educating more than five serving world leaders include Switzerland, Australia, Italy, and Spain.
The Soft-Power Index has gained influence since its inception and is, often cited by government ministers and in official documents. The index’s findings reflect the standing of different educational systems and serve as a proxy for the amount of soft power held by various countries. The results also highlight the impact of policy changes on international education, as seen in the UK’s fluctuating environment for international students.
The HEPI’s 2023 Soft-Power Index underscores the significant role of British and American higher education in shaping global leadership. The data reveal a concentration of power and influence within these two nations, showcasing their enduring impact on the world stage through education.
