original_query: What is the concept of a sphere of influence in international relations? What is the most relevant chunk to answer the query?
query: What is the concept of a sphere of influence in international relations?
answer: In international relations, a sphere of influence (SOI) is a spatial region or concept division over which a state or organization has a level of cultural, economic, military, or political exclusivity.  This influence may or may not be formalized by treaties or alliances, and can range from soft power to outright control, as seen historically with satellite states.