[nee-oh-kuh-loh-nee-uh-liz-uh
m] 
| the policy of a strong nation in seeking political and economic hegemony over an independent nation or extended geographical area without necessarily reducing the subordinate nation or area to the legal status of a colony. |
| ne·o·co·lo·ni·al·ism (nē'ō-kə-lō'nē-ə-lĭz'əm) n. A policy whereby a major power uses economic and political means to perpetuate or extend its influence over underdeveloped nations or areas: "Strong elements of neocolonialism persist in the economic relations of the rich and poor countries" (Scientific American). ne'o·co·lo'ni·al adj., ne'o·co·lo'ni·al·ist n. |
The dominance of strong nations over weak nations, not by direct political control (as in traditional colonialism), but by economic and cultural influence.
