The two have been locked in a long battle for influence in the New Jersey Democratic party.
The Americans and the Russians have long sparred for influence over Georgia.
France and Italy have long vied for influence in the oil-rich country, and have major energy installations.
Crucially, in the Caspian basin, where Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and other states are developing immense reserves, a decade-long rivalry for influence between the United States and Russia could now turn into something more like cooperation.
As he imagines a more global life for himself after City Hall, unshackled from the 24/7 needs of running New York, Mr. Bloomberg — an Anglophile with a taste for English Regency style — is exporting his vast quantities of financial, social and political capital to this ancient city, where he has long yearned for influence.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have long vied for influence in the Middle East.
Asked to do something about her son in a clip from "Roseanne," she replies, "I gave birth to him, what more do you want?" But on "Influences" she also longs for the utterly and impossibly simple parent-child relations on "Leave It to Beaver".
With all of these connections, it didn't take long for the influence of house music to be felt in skateboarding videos.
Pakistan and India have long been jostling for influence in Afghanistan, and, in May 2011, India pledged $500m to Afghanistan in addition to its existing commitment of $1.5bn, acquiring considerable goodwill.
The United States has brought international pressure on Iran's nuclear program, and Iran and Saudi Arabia have long waged proxy battles for influence in the Muslim world.
The allegations of a plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington are the latest and perhaps most audacious eruption in the simmering feud between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two regional powers that have long waged proxy battles for influence in the Muslim world.
