I have dispensed with the idea that any but a handful of the visible decision makers in the West actually make decisions. Really, for me it's only a shorthand to say, "Biden wants this", or "Ursula von der Leyen believes that", or "Zelensky said whatever". All mere puppets there to say the lines and not bump into the scenery.

That's at the the tip of the iceberg, but I've heard something consistent from a number of journalists who have had occasion to meet or interview politicians and various leaders. They all say a version of, "These people are not like what you imagine from seeing them on TV. They are almost all mediocre people, and some are obviously stupid and ignorant."

The modern Western political sphere has largely become a sort of open-air kabuki. I believe it deepens insight to conceptualize it this way, which is why I'm posting this.