Applications in both the public and private spheres will use the power of the number to provide services to the individual that were beyond their reach in the past.

ECONOMIST: Asia

The spheres of influence of the Forbes Power Women intersect in incredible and inspiring ways.

FORBES: Power Women

One U.S. military adviser said Chinese military strategists see China becoming the dominant power in Asia by midcentury, by which time they believe the world will be divided into spheres of influence dominated by at least four great powers: China, the U.S., the European Union and Russia.

WSJ: New Beijing Leader's 'China Dream'

This includes the extent of their reach across industries, cultures and countries, the number of spheres of influence and people they affect and how actively they wield that power.

FORBES: Ranking The World's 100 Most Powerful Women 2012