From this moment you get true fiat currencies, the takeoff of financialised capitalism and the emergence of the central bank in each country as money creator on behalf of the state, and thus a major centre of political power.

BBC: Central banks are part of the state

Gorbachev would follow through with the Shatalin-Yavlinsky plan for a 500 day transformation of the USSR, including a major devolution of political and economic decision-making power from the center to the individual republics.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | The Soviet Union In Crisis: Us Interests And Responsibilities

Like his San Franciscan counterparts, Hellman was able to parlay his financial power into political influence, making him a major behind-the-scenes player in state politics.

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Russia would also wield more political power over those countries than it would the major advanced economies and its big emerging market partners in the south.

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It identifies as major issues the rise of executive power at the expense of Parliament, the frustration of political activists who feel they are ignored by party leaderships and the lack of differentiation between the parties.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

Mr. Andreotti's power was already on the wane when a major corruption scandal wiped out Italy's political class in the early 1990s, leading to the dissolution of all major parties, including the Christian Democrats.

WSJ: Italy's Seven-Time Premier Andreotti Dies at 94

Speculation always mounts when a major political figure drops out of sight, especially when the individual is a "shadow shogun, " thought to pull power levers behind the scene.

CNN: THE LAST SHADOW SHOGUN?