Sphere of influence

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In the field of international relations, a sphere of influence (SOI) is a spatial/geographic region, or set of polities or nations, over which a leader nation state or other geopolitically powerful organisation has a level of cultural, economic, military, or political influence or exclusivity. While there may be a formal alliance or other treaty obligations between the influenced and influencer, such formal arrangements are not necessary for a sphere to exist. Influence can be had through the use of hard as well as soft power. Similarly, a formal alliance does not necessarily mean that one country lies within another's sphere of influence. Historically, strong or strict exclusivities within spheres of influence, has often led to or been associated with higher levels of global conflict and tension between such spheres. Inter-sphere trade, interdependence and communication, on the other hand, have spawned periods of relative peace – as have periods where spheres of influence have been more...

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