France sees Europe as the lever for achieving global clout.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Measured against global economic clout, the region is under-represented on the NYSE - 59 Asian companies are listed, compared with 95 from Latin America.

CNN: THE NEW YORK GOLD RUSH

Legally CME Group is probably off the hook, but the MF Global situation could cost it clout in Washington.

FORBES: Anger Builds Over MF Global Mess - And Spells Trouble

In that role, she has continually offered her time, money and clout to causes ranging from global poverty to Third-World adoption.

FORBES: The Star Economy

Middle East and Russia -- Will remain the predominant sources of global energy supply, with all the political clout that gives them, and the attendant risk of political disruption.

FORBES: Paul Maidment On Energy

Although Britain is normally seen as an awkward customer in EU affairs, resisting deeper political integration, it has traditionally been rather open to European countries pooling their diplomatic and military clout on a case-by-case basis, to gain global influence.

ECONOMIST: The EU presidency

Raising awareness is an essential weapon against a global scourge like malaria, he insists, and he applauds Mr Brown for using his political clout to save lives.

ECONOMIST: A breakthrough moment in awareness of a terrible scourge