sphere of influence
/ˌsfɪər əv ˈɪnfluəns/
a region where one power has dominant authority
sphere of influence in a sentence
“Eastern Europe was in the Soviet sphere of influence.”
Origin of sphere of influence
Diplomatic term from 19th century imperialism
Related Words
buffer state
a neutral country between rival powers
proxy war
a conflict where major powers support opposing sides
containment
preventing the expansion of hostile power
deterrence
discouraging attack through threat of retaliation
brinksmanship
pushing a dangerous situation to the edge
Balkanization
fragmentation into smaller hostile units