"leader of the free world"

"The leader of the free world" was a common phrase describing the President of the United States during the Cold War.1

This U.S. vision of itself as the leader of the "free world" would grow stronger in the 20th century after World War II, although rarely would it be described as "Manifest Destiny", as Wilson had done.2

The concept of the "Free World" was articulated by the U.S. after World War II as the superpower took on the role of "Leader of the Free World". There was a widespread feeling in the U.S. that as the victor in the war, the U.S. inherited the responsibility of leading the free nations of the globe into a better world. Like most identities, the concept of "the free nations of the world" became particularly salient when faced with its enemy: the Communist bloc. 3

Some free nations would argue against the self-designated title but concede that the US military and financial strength of the country is a significance influence.