In the field of international relations, a sphere of influence is a
spatial region or concept division over which a state or organization has a
level of cultural, economic, military or political exclusivity.
While there may be a formal alliance or other treaty obligations between the
influenced and influencer, such formal arrangements are not necessary and the
influence can often be more of an example of soft power. Similarly, a formal
alliance does not necessarily mean that one country lies within another's
sphere of influence. High levels of exclusivity have historically been
associated with higher levels of conflict.