The leaderless revolution

In this thought-provoking work, former diplomat Carne Ross presents a compelling case for a new kind of political power—one not held by elites or centralized in institutions, but exercised by ordinary people acting together. Ross argues that the traditional model of leadership is failing in the face of modern complexity, global interconnection and growing public disillusionment. He explores how grass-roots networks, participatory democracy and collective agency are reshaping how societies organise, decide and change. Drawing on examples from around the world, Ross shows how leaderless movements can challenge power structures, break down barriers of inequality, and rebuild political systems from the bottom up. This book serves as both analysis and manifesto: a call to reclaim agency, participate actively and redefine power in the 21st century.