For more than three decades, he has been the emir of a kingdom with its palace in the town of Zaria, and influence over a much larger region known as Zazzau.

BBC: Nigeria's emirs: Power behind the throne

Certainly, no American physician has greater influence over a larger number of people.

NEWYORKER: The Operator

China has also started playing a larger international role, competing for influence in some of the world's most important energy basins.

WSJ: Thirst for Energy Drives Beijing's Global Push