Under certain circumstances , states can organize a sphere of influence or a bloc within which they exercise predominant influence . Historical examples include the spheres of influence recognized under the Concert of Europe , or the recognition of spheres during the Cold War following the Yalta Conference . The Eastern Bloc , the Western Bloc , and the Non-Aligned Movement were the blocs that arose out of the Cold War contest . Military alliances like NATO and the Warsaw Pact are another forum through which influence is exercised . However , " realist " theory attempted to maintain the balance of power from the development of meaningful diplomatic relations that can create a hegemony within the region . British foreign policy , for example , dominated Europe through the Congress of Vienna after the defeat of France . They continued the balancing act with the Congress of Berlin in 1878 , to appease Russia and Germany from attacking Turkey . Britain has sided against the aggressors on the European continent — i.e. the German Empire , Nazi Germany , Napoleonic France or Habsburg Austria , known during the Great War as the Central Powers and , in the World War Two were called the Axis Powers
Yalta Conference
Yalta Conference
Power (international relations)