There are certain parallels between the social and cultural developments in post-colonial Africa and post-communist Eurasia. In both areas the political leaders strive for political unity by way of formation of national culture. The cultural symbols are revived or invented so that citizens of the new states identify with the state and its leaders. Especially charismatic leaders are essential for the successful creation of symbolic unity. Examples from various African and Eurasian former communist countries will be discussed on the basis of field data and reports. Emphasis will be laid on the position and role of political leaders. Importance of formation of supranational units such as European Union and African Union will be assessed against the known facts, both real and fictive.