Americans can hope that the brash policy works because prosperity in Europe helps the United States grow, even if the rise of the euro diminishes the international clout of the dollar.

Adoption of a common currency will indeed enhance commerce among the countries allowed to use it and give that group greater international financial clout.

That it is a state with which our government has friendly relations and which has a great deal of international clout is a reason for the red carpet, as you put it, to be laid out.

Spanish fashion houses may not have the international clout of their Italian and French neighbors, but a handful of Madrid designers are making a name for themselves at home and abroad.

Secretive, but very influential, Fasaud had sufficient international clout to influence organizations such as OPEC.

Nor does she have Ms. Barshefsky's trade reputation or Mr. Zoellick's international clout.

The goal could be to use international clout: give special help to governments fighting mutilation on their soil, cut grants and loans to governments that refuse or stall.

Naxos is a niche label with international clout.

Japan's coffers were overflowing and its leaders were beginning to focus on how to turn economic power into international clout.

Its capital city, with a financial district bristling with postmodern skyscrapers in a machismo display of international clout, has long had its eye on the future.