One interesting example, where I can show cause and effect. Pdf related is an article from the New York Times, 2014
Quote:
Small countries are finding that they can gain big clout by teaming up with American research organizations. Perhaps the best example is Norway.
The country has committed at least $24 million to an array of Washington think tanks over the past four years [...] after receiving money from Norway, have advocated in Washington for enhancing Norway’s role in NATO
And lo, from 2014 to 2024 Jens Stoltenberg, the PM of Norway, became the Secretary General of NATO. Coincidence?