LOS ANGELES — The extraordinary rise of Asia in recent decades cannot be understood or appreciated without some reference to outstanding leadership. Consider the experience of other regions of the world.

In the 19th century, Europe immensely benefited from the machinations of its Machiavellian empire-building leaders.

In the 20th century — the "American Century" — no one can imagine the United States having such global success without its Roosevelts and Kennedys.