These feudal rulers, like the princely states of India, were given identity, power, recognition and land by Britain to run the subcontinent and were bestowed with the same privileges and undemocratic methods that, as you mention, they still retain.

ECONOMIST: Mulling Musharraf

No one really knows, but it shows how fast news can travel digitally and the power brand identity theft could have.

FORBES: It's Ten O'clock: Do You Know Where Your Brand Is?

However, the BJP's reputation in Karnataka has been tarnished by infighting, corruption accusations and identity politics during its five years in power in the state.

WSJ: Congress Set to Win Karnataka Poll

This is the general concept of identity drawn upon by movements like gay pride and Black Power.

NEWYORKER: Little Strangers

Torn by in-house power-struggles, Fatah also has an identity crisis.

ECONOMIST: A Palestinian congress

These are people whose identity is publicly verifiable - members of the Internet identity, security, and privacy communities who believe in the power of a peer-to-peer, socially-verified reputation network.

FORBES: Trust On The Internet: The Solution Is Ahead

Chicago has always understood the power of the arts, too, in helping it to carve out a strong identity (its art museum is staggering), and sitting among those iconic riverside buildings is the Lyric Opera of Chicago, a tempting mix of neo-classical exterior and golden art nouveau and art deco interior.

BBC: Musical destinations: Chicago

After not even a year in power, many Lib Dems are weary of building up credibility, and desperate to reassert their identity.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot