Typically, the Clinton Administration has asked Japan to stimulate its domestic economy so that it will suck in more imports.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

This is largely presented as a tactic to stimulate the domestic economy by lowering the cost of finance and putting more money into the banking system.

ECONOMIST: Buttonwood

In an effort to offset slower global growth and stimulate the domestic economy, Australia's central bank lowered its key interest rate from 4.25% at the start of last year to 3% in December.

BBC: A for sale sign in front of an apartment block in Australia

He said that with the global economy still struggling, "there are limits to the ability of domestic policy to stimulate private sector demand as the economy adjusts to a new equilibrium".

BBC: Bank of England cuts UK growth forecast for 2013

Thanks to a strong, centralised government able to stimulate the economy quickly, and a generous welfare system that kept up domestic demand, French GDP shrank by only 2.6% in 2009, next to 4.7% in Germany and a euro-area average of 4.1%.

ECONOMIST: France loses ground to Germany