Our three criteria were: cultural influence; economic clout and political power.
In a speech last week, Richard L. Armitage, deputy secretary of state, said: "Today, America has unprecedented pre-eminence -- we've got power, prestige, influence and clout far beyond that known in the history of man.
With singer Taylor Swift and media regulator Sharon White in the top 10, the percentage of women judged by our panel to wield cultural influence, economic clout and political power has grown from 20% last year.
A panel of experienced media watchers from the worlds of politics, journalism, advertising, television and the internet judged entrants using three criteria: cultural influence, economic clout and political power.
Deploying her influence and clout, she secured financial backing for John Galliano's fledgling eponymous Paris fashion house, a move that helped in his elevation in 1997 to designer in chief at Christian Dior.
Our criteria were a mixture of creative influence, economic clout and political power - more strictly defined as influence over and ability to shape the UK market; market capitalisation, number of staff and corporate innovation and access to government and influence over decision making.
It is still a prime target for al-Qaeda as it seeks to gain influence and clout among the new generation of leaders who have emerged in Tunisia, Egypt, Syria and the Gulf states.
How much is your influence or clout?
The responsibility that comes with all that influence and clout.
On May 17, others will march on Washington's K Street, where lobbyists roam, not free, but in pursuit of princely paychecks from those who seek influence and clout.
