4. Vladimir Putin
4. Vladimir Putin speaks to the media after winning the 2018 bid duirng the FIFA World Cup 2018 & 2022 Host Countries Announcement at the Messe Conference Centre on December 2, 2010 in Zurich, Switzerland. Prime Minister still more powerful than his handpicked head-of-state, President Dmitry Medvedev. Former KGB officer will likely replace protege in 2012. In the meantime, has final say over one-ninth of Earth's land area, vast energy and mineral resources. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)