Japan's experience proved the dangers of that downward swirl; the economy stagnated, new lending ground to a halt and the country's diplomatic clout shrank with its balance sheets.
Its enormous clout begins with its universality – there are car dealers in nearly every House district.
Now, though, reformers believe Keidanren's obduracy has begun to undermine its clout with government: it is surely a promising sign that the LDP feels emboldened to take on a group that is one of its biggest traditional sources of funds.Mr Abe has made external directors a cornerstone of his economic programme, known as Abenomics.
The organisation lost much of its lustre with Ralph Reed's retirement in 1997, and some of its financial clout with the loss of its tax-exempt status in 1999.
That is how Pepsi describes its clout with suppliers, retailers and customers, thanks to its ability to market and distribute several of its brands together.Fuelled by growth in emerging markets, Pepsi's results were better than expected.
As Ellie Rowsell stage dives to Giant Peach, bassist Theo Ellis walks through the drum kit and a buzzing crowd heads off to frug until midnight to Jagwar Ma, Margate gains the cultural clout to go with its seaweed perfume emporiums and clothes shops for dogs.
Despite having no product yet and no expertise in either console game hardware or software, Microsoft has already demonstrated the clout that comes with its name and pocketbook.
The U.S. unit faces the challenges of finding a permanent chief, increasing its clout with local partnerships and building a faster wireless network to catch up with competitors.
By becoming a phone maker, Google may be able to increase its clout with wireless carriers, which control pricing and distribution of cellphones.
The theater company has more clout with movie studios than its competitors do and often gets first crack at the most anticipated films.
