20 International Relations Theory of War
SYSTEMIC FACTORS AND EXPANSION OF INFLUENCE OF
POLAR POWERS
The expansion of influence of polar powers is defined as a comprehensive
action for expanding economic influence and control, which in most cases
manifests in an activist foreign policy that includes paying attention to
international events, expansion of diplomatic missions, and participating
in the diplomacy of powers. This action may also occur other than follow-
ing in a war, unlike merely territorial expansion, which according to the
current study can result from war only. According to the study, the expan-
sion of influence of polar powers may occur in two main ways. One is colo-
nialism, which means cultural and technological takeover of territory that
is not Western owned overseas by advanced Western powers in order to
exploit the residents and the many unutilized resources existing in them.
The other is imperialism, which means a nation taking over other countries
for establishing colonies while enforcing its rule on them and exploiting
their natural resources.
In addition to the two main manners of expansion of influence men-
tioned above—colonialism and imperialism—a number of other key man-
ners of expansion of influence may be mentioned.
Formation of regions of influence. Powers will tend to establish regions
of influence in their “backyards” or in nearby regions. The United States
established a region of influence in the Caribbean and Central America in
the early 20th century. Great Britain formed a region of influence in parts
of the Middle East from the 1920s to the 1950s. Germany aimed to create
a region of influence in southeastern Europe in the 1930s. Japan aimed to
create a region of influence in East and Southeast Asia from the late 1930s
to the mid-1940s. The Soviet Union formed a wide region of influence in
Eastern Europe after the Second World War.^20 In the last decades, China
has been quickly expanding its influence in three nearby regions of Cen-
tral, South, and Southeast Asia. It is focusing on these regions peacefully
in accordance with the demands of the neighboring countries, which are
eager to enjoy the proceeds of China’s economy and sometimes appear
more enthusiastic than China itself in forming this trend. In addition, the
military component of the Chinese territorial expansion in this region
is delicate and indirect.^21 Recently, Beijing has extended its influence to
Africa too. Russia is strengthening its standing in Asia through new pres-
ence in former Soviet Union states and through expansion of its role in
Asia, in the Pacific region, and in the Korean Peninsula, as a supplier of
energy to China and Japan, and as a supplier of arms to other countries.^22
Recently, Moscow has extended its influence to the Middle East as well,
primarily to Syria.^23
Establishing security and economic international regimes. After the United
States’ (and allies’) great victory over Germany and Japan in the Second