sphere of influence

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

a spatial or conceptual region in which a state, empire, or major power claims or exercises predominant political, economic, military, or cultural authority, often at the expense of smaller or weaker states within that zone; the sphere of influence is a foundational concept of classical geopolitics and realist international relations theory, reflecting the expectation that great powers will seek to dominate their neighbourhood and resist encroachment by rival powers; examples include the Monroe Doctrine's assertion of US primacy over the Western Hemisphere and the Soviet Union's domination of Eastern Europe during the Cold War