| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Influential | Having the power to change or affect people and events. |
| Diplomacy | The art of managing international relations, typically by a country’s representatives. |
| Sovereignty | The authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. |
Time magazine has named Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, as one of the “100 most influential people of 2026.” This marks the second year in a row she has received this honor. Time magazine’s list includes leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as well as artists and innovators from around the world.
Journalist Ioan Grillo wrote about President Sheinbaum for the magazine. He described her first year in office as challenging, with pressures from both inside and outside Mexico. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had made threats against Mexico’s sovereignty, and there were issues with gang violence and drug trafficking. Despite these challenges, Sheinbaum was praised for her diplomatic approach. She took strong actions against criminal cartels and defended Mexico’s independence without causing disputes.
Sheinbaum’s efforts have made her popular in Mexico and a successful leader who combines popular ideas with practical solutions. However, problems like a slow economy and crime rates remain. These issues could make it difficult for her to maintain her positive impact.
President Sheinbaum is the only person from Mexico on this year’s list, though in 2025, she was joined by actor Diego Luna. Other notable figures on the list include singers, actors, and global leaders, showing the wide range of people considered influential today.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Influential | Influyente |
| President | Presidente |
| Economy | Economía |
Time to discuss
- What qualities do you think make someone influential and why?
- How can leaders address complex issues like crime while maintaining peace?
- Why is it important for countries to have good diplomatic relations?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe a situation where diplomacy might be more effective than conflict.
- What challenges do leaders face when trying to balance popular opinion with practical solutions?
