"We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing
it" . In co-operation President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair are
renowned for being capable and powerful politicians, be it through the media or
through the publics own perceptions this has been shown through high profile
world politics in which both men have had major roles. An example of this has
been with the Kosovan war in which both leaders joined together showing how
important their decisions were. Clinton and Blair have both proved their
abilities in gaining public support and retaining the approval given to them
from the majority in the form of power. Equally they have retained this power in
the face of austere media coverage, as with the Monica Lewinsky scandal
involving Clinton or being Blair at the present time. The roles of President and
Prime Minister have long been considered the highest positions of political
power that resides in America and Britain. However both draw on different
sources for their power and stability in these roles. It is for this reason that
the stability of these sources and the extent to which Clinton and Blair can
make independent changes must be accessed if we are to understand the
limitations of their power. Both Clinton and Blair have different power bases
from which to be judged. Ostensibly it is President Clinton who appears to have
the most significant power base as the political leader of one of the most
influential countries in the world. As a significant military power, America is
seen as a powerful ally in times of conflict. In addition to, as commander and
chief of a military superpower Clinton has reflected power with the ability to
represent America's interests abroad with substantial force as with the Gulf
War, in this way Clinton can certainly be perceived to be more militarily
powerful than any other leader. America's economic force is also an essential
factor in establishing the importance of Clinton's decisions and ultimately his
power. With the economic strength to enforce trade sanctions and give out loans
to large countries such as Russia, Clinton can certainly be seen as economically
established. With the fall of Soviet Russia competition for world dominance has
decreased and America can be seen to stand alone as a superpower and as its
leader Clinton it can be argued is a super leader. Britain despite not being
seen in the same way economically or militarily still remains an important world
power. With A strong capitalist economy and a respected history of military
strength, Britain remains respected by other countries, as does its leader Tony
Blair. As a former empirical power Britain has retained important links with
large countries such Australia through the Commonwealth. Organisations such as
these show England to dominate in world politics. Britain has also although
somewhat reluctantly joined one of the most power trades organisations in the
world the European Union. The UK is also a member of Nato and combined with the
expertise of the British army can be considered to be a strong military force.
Because of Britain's status in the world's political forum Blair like Clinton
can be considered powerful as a leader of a moderately powerful country. While
America is more powerful its leader Clinton is more limited in the decisions he
can make on behalf of this superpower.