For now, however, women have at best an indirect influence on the Vatican's upper echelon.

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The Kremlin has established direct or indirect influence over most of Russia's TV stations in recent years.

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American religiosity also has a more indirect influence on foreign policy.

ECONOMIST: Foreign policy

British newspapers have reported that the BP-Rosneft deal has raised concerns in Azerbaijan that the partnership would allow Russia to exert indirect influence over its southern neighbor.

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You may not be in charge, but if your direct or indirect efforts influence others, you are in fact leading.

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During the years that Pope was a legislator, he explored more indirect means of gaining political influence as well.

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But its actual influence is often indirect, patchy and dependent upon other groups.

ECONOMIST: The other Moore's law | The