Do you think that Lao Tzu would be a formidable world leader today? Would his principles work to cure many of the deeper problems in society? Note: We are NOT discussing the religious aspects, but the political aspects of his writings.
"A great nation is like a great man: When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it. He considers those who point out his faults as his most benevolent teachers. He thinks of his enemy as the shadow that he himself casts. If a nation is centred in the Tao, if it nourishes its own people and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others, it will be a light to all nations in the world"
-- Lao Tzu - Source: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 61
Lao Tzu was never a world leader, although some legend shows him as emperor Heing Te. I don't know that he would be a good leader, but I believe that his teachings could make a profound impact on todays society.
Since the essence of Taoism is balance, if followed strictly, many social ills would be cured. When you have people following the natural good then you will stop allot of the evil that goes on in society today, thus reducing or even eliminating crime.
Here is a great website about Lao Tzu's history.
https://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/lao.html