Statesman is a person with a broad general knowledge of government and politics, who takes a leading part in public affairs. Most people think of statesmen as being concerned with the needs and interests of their country as a whole. In contrast, they think of politicians as having only party or political aims. Elder statesmen, usually retired from active government, continue to give advice on important issues. Japan developed this system in the genro, a council of former government leaders who advise the current government. See also the list of biographies of statesmen at the end of most country articles.
