(VOVworld) - For the fourth consecutive year, American business magazine Forbes has ranked Russian President Vladimir Putin as the world's most powerful person. He was followed by US President-elect Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: Reuters)

Forbes’ 2016 list of most powerful people is based on criteria such as the candidates’ power over people, their financial resources, their power in multiple spheres and active use of their power.

Forbes says President Putin has exerted his country's influence in nearly every corner of the globe, from Ukraine to Syria, the Middle East, and North Africa, making Russia a highlight in the 2016 world map.

Forbes notes that President Putin has upgraded Russia to a new level in the international arena. Russia has not only joined the world’s political, security and geopolitical games but is viewed as a game changer. The US, NATO, the EU and other allies will find it very difficult to settle problems like ISIS and terrorism without Russia’s cooperation.