Its rivals are all merging, and Japan's clannish, inward-looking corporate culture makes that very hazardous.

ECONOMIST: Japanese banking

Some point to Islam as a factor, others to the clannish and paternalistic nature of Arab societies.

ECONOMIST: Arab democracy

Outsiders who unsettle the obstetric cartel meet clannish (and even self-interested) opposition.

ECONOMIST: The pioneer of home births in Hungary faces jail