"War is a mere continuation of politics by other means, " Prussian theorist Karl Von Clausewitz wrote. Today, banking—broadly defined as lending and borrowing money through institutions and bond markets—is a continuation of politics, or war, by other means. In the 20th century, Germany wielded power over European neighbors through brute military force. In the 21st century, Germany, abetted by France, uses its influence with the European Central Bank and the European Union to dictate terms to Greece and other weak nations. And the effort to halt Iran"s march to nuclear prominence relies as much on the international banking system"s willingness and ability to enforce financial sanctions as it does on the threat of bombs.