Bloodless Coup

The Greatest Working Public Intellectuals of Our Age

Foreign Policy has released the results of its poll. As its discussion of the results notes, the list is heavily weighted to old men from North America, including one (Milton Friedman) who, though brilliant and extremely influential, clearly did not fit the criteria set by the magazine as someone who should be considered for the list (since these are supposed to be people who are still actively working in their fields). Still, like all such lists, it's as much about the rules and encouraging discussion as it is about the final rankings. I've forgotten exactly who I voted for, but people who I'm sure received votes from me came in at #4, #6 and #8.