“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.
