This level comprises the key political and military leaders, as well as the high-ranking religious institutions and managements of big business. This is a small circle of people, whose statements and decisions carry an important weight. They are highly visible, which grants them high potential for display, but at the same time tends to make their agenda, positions and compromises inflexible. When the state is operational, this is the level of the hierarchical power leadership.
The most characteristic peace building activity at this level of top leadership is negotiation.
