"Leader" doesn't necessarily have those connotations for English speakers. It means, "The person whom others follow." Generally, "the person who rules others,"

"Leader" doesn't necessarily have those connotations for English speakers. It means, "The person whom others follow." Generally, "the person who rules others," is the "Ruler." "Leader" can imply "ruler," but it can also mean someone who is winning a competition (his opponent are behind in score and hence are "following" him) or someone whom other voluntarily follow. It is generally considered a benign term.