Definitions of democracy and good governance that focus on electoral participation are a potent instrument for social control.

This across-the-board acceptability made him a potent instrument of peace in highly volatile times.

This offer of a spiritual identity was considerably enriched through its association with a potent instrument for popular cultural intervention.

It is a potent instrument to be used for good or evil at its user's choice.

Cash's voice has always been a deceptively potent instrument.

"The vernacular of beauty, in its democratic appeal, remains a potent instrument for change in this civilization," he wrote.

But she was still new in office, and playing with a horrendously potent instrument.

Taxes, in addition to providing revenue, can be potent instruments of policy.

In a liberal economy, advertising does an important job in providing information, and it is a potent instrument for effective competition.

But buildings are pieces of the city, and potent instruments for urban change.