Its hallmarks are pragmatism, opportunism and an ambivalent attitude towards the uses of violence.

ECONOMIST: The Muslim Brotherhood in the West

The country's powerful military establishment also has an ambivalent attitude towards these groups.

BBC: Formidable power of Pakistan's anti-Shia militants

Many African states had an ambivalent attitude towards Gadhafi, but few rejoiced when he was ousted and killed in the most squalid condition.

CNN: Opinion: Why Africa backs French in Mali

The nebulous rules reflect the ambivalent attitude Vietnam has about capitalism.

CNN: U.S. stocks on the Internet appeal to Vietnamese investors

Thais have an ambivalent attitude to alcohol.

BBC: Thai whiskey tycoon Charoen takes over Fraser and Neave

But his attitude to freedom could be ambivalent.

ECONOMIST: Eric Newby

Pallister played in three League Cup finals during his time at Old Trafford and claims United's attitude toward the competition was often ambivalent.

BBC: Pallister played in three League Cup finals for Man Utd

Even so, China's attitude to personal wealth remains deeply ambivalent.

ECONOMIST: It is still difficult to be wealthy in China

Malaysia's attitude towards the Internet continues to be ambivalent.

CNN: Malaysian hackers may face indefinite detention

In so-called Free Iraq, a piece of territory reaching in some places more than 320km from the Kuwaiti border, the attitude of the civilian population to coalition forces is, at best, ambivalent.

ECONOMIST: We do it better, say the Brits