In Russia, this was determined by a group of stakeholders which included Russian NGOs and an equal representation of environmental, economic and social interests.

FORBES: IKEA Under Fire for Clearing Ancient Russian Forest

But he insists he is a "friend" of the new parliament - and that devolution will swiftly become independence, provided the debate remains dynamic and the SNP convinces Scots that their economic and social interests are identified with further change.

BBC: Tussle for the top

EU, there will be a greater need to line up allies in Brussels or Strasbourg, for which the other Nordic countries will offer the closest match of economic, social and political interests.

ECONOMIST: Identity changes

Such people fear social unrest and populist measures that could threaten their economic interests and their physical security.

ECONOMIST: The revolution is still in flux

Common interests--social, economic and political--became abundantly clear.

NPR: Light Rail Would Connect More than Point A and B

Wherever they seek to change old-fashioned economic and fiscal structures, they will run into deeply entrenched special interests and social attitudes.

ECONOMIST: Contradictory France | The