Strongman: The Extraordinary Leaders of India and the Philippines

Both Narendra Modi and Rodrigo Duterte stand out as leaders that epitomise their respective reigns in ways previous did not. A juxtaposition of political personae allows us to investigate a contemporary phenomenon, the elected strongman leader. This article makes three points from this juxtaposition: (a) They presided over period ‘democratic backsliding’. (b) came with social media. (c) are own message is they extraordinary leaders, above ordinary constraints. concludes represent politics—where people’s representative engage acts symbolic sovereignty. In an age discontent democracy, new media have allowed them portray themselves true defenders ‘the people’.