It thereby committed itself to sharing power and revenue with foes who are hardly angels themselves, and to a democratic transition that could yet prove a model for the continent.

ECONOMIST: Peace in the south, war in the west and poverty amid riches

Benedict has made it clear that he sees this devout Catholic nation, with its new church-friendly government, as a model for the rest of the continent to build a society based on Christian values.

NPR: Pope's Tour of Poland Ends with Visit to Auschwitz

In some respects, a model school on the African continent, where close to 60 percent of children out of school are girls.

NPR: The Missed Education of African Girls

Chavez leaves behind a country where the poor have been empowered and society has been divided, and a continent where alternatives to his model look more appealing than ever.

CNN: Chavez empowered the poor, divided a nation

This experience offers a reform model for the rest of the continent and beyond.

FORBES: The Triumph Of Good Economics: 'Austere' Baltic States Outgrow Their European Neighbors

At the time, Obama bypassed his father's native Kenya and opted for Ghana, describing it as a model of peace and democracy in the continent.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Their fiscal discipline has served as a model for the rest of Europe, and the continent is hoping that Germany will take the lead in avoiding a financial meltdown.

FORBES: As Greek Euro Showdown Looms, Germany Showing Economic Strength--In Soccer

But the U.S. model has started to spread, and now savvy companies are starting to realize they face a whole new continent of potential plaintiffs.

FORBES: Sue Everywhere

But the U.S. model has started to spread, and now savvy companies are starting to realize that they face a whole continent of potential plaintiffs.

FORBES: Sue Everywhere