Extending economic domination over a nominally politically independent nation. In its narrowest sense, this means exerting a high degree of influence over a country's economic life. This influence can extend to aspects of political, military and cultural life as well.
The continuity of economic institutions after decolonization often ensured continuing economic dependence even when overt political dependence is broken.
The USA, the UK, France and the former USSR use trade rights and tariffs but also military and economic aid to support governments favourable to their philosophies, while advertising that they are assisting in maintaining the political sovereignty of such governments.