Observers believed that the referendum was intended to build legitimacy for at least greater economic control over Tatarstan's oil production (approximately 600,000 barrels per day), if not outright secession from Russia.

By securing the city a sector at a time, American and Iraqi commanders hope to allow the Iraqi government to restore essential services and build support and legitimacy among an anxious public.

While the Brotherhood has stronger popular appeal, those in power have over the decades sought to build legitimacy by taking on the role of guardians of the faith, alongside their governing role.

The Palace Museum has dedicated itself to building national legitimacy and even producing political propaganda.

Mr. Siniora became prime minister last July, seeking to build legitimacy for the government and foster independence from Syria, which had occupied Lebanon for 29 years until it was forced to withdraw last year.

Economic aid, in a destitute nation shattered by war, was minimal in the crucial first year, when the new government was trying to build legitimacy.

As soon as possible, it needs to establish an agreed-upon process of international oversight that will guarantee the electoral rules, mediate grievances and build legitimacy into the process each step of the way.

Like all imperial exercises in creating order, it will work only if the puppets the Americans install cease to be puppets and build independent political legitimacy of their own.

It was a great chance to build the base and legitimacy.

In China, if a conference is called to debate a topic, that usually means that the aim is to build a consensus and legitimacy for a decision that has already been made.