Daenerys is the highest on this list of those who wield purely institutionalised power. Take all the good qualities in the leaders mentioned above, roll them in one, and the yield is Daenerys. She has gained the respect of her people as a caring ruler, just like Margaery, as seen when the people of Yunkai dub her Mhysa or "mother" after she takes the city. She has the claim to the Iron Throne, like Stannis and Joffrey, that gives her institutionalized power. She commands a formidable, loyal military, like Mance Rayder. She sets herself apart in three regards: the degree of her military's loyalty, the presence of competent yet selfless advisers, and dragons. Daenerys first gained loyalty amongst the Dothraki as their Khaleesi. She gained experience ruling a ruthless fighting force and became a hardened leader under the guidance of her husband, Khal Drogo. Yet she really blossomed as a military leader after buying an army of slaves from Astapor. Upon buying them, she freed them, which made them desire to serve her even more. She then asserted her power by having the force invade Astapor, killing oppressive parties while protecting innocent women and children. This demonstrates that there is power in her caring method of ruling because she's gained loyalty. On a more specific level, she has earned the loyalty of her advisers Ser Jorah Mormont, former Kingsguard leader Ser Barristan Selmy, and leader of the Second Sons, Daario Naharis. Thus, she has the advice of two seasoned veterans and an up-and-coming warrior. Most importantly, none of these advisers is concerned with seizing power for himself they all desire solely to serve Daenerys, and they aren't manipulators who seek to become puppeteers. Finally, Daenerys controls three growing dragons who, as seen in the siege of Astapor, already have the ability to inflict great damage. The only problem is that Daenerys is stranded in Essos, geographically separated from the Iron Throne.
Joseph is a student at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, double majoring in Ancient Greek and Religious Studies. He has a deep passion for TV and consumes as much of it as possible.
