Which term describes an area politically and economically controlled by another country without direct governance?

The term that accurately describes an area politically and economically controlled by another country without direct governance is a "sphere of influence." This phenomenon occurs when a powerful nation exerts significant influence over an area or region, such as through economic pressure, political manipulation, or cultural dominance, without necessarily governing it outright or maintaining a formal political presence.

For instance, historical examples can include the way Western powers influenced countries in Africa or Asia during the colonial period by establishing trade agreements, economic dependencies, and cultural exchanges that shaped local politics and economies without establishing direct control.

In contrast, a protectorate typically involves a more defined relationship where a weaker state maintains internal autonomy while being under the protection and indirect control of a stronger state. A mandate refers to a legal status for certain territories transferred from the control of one country to another after World War I, usually under the supervision of a League of Nations mandate. A colony is a territory directly governed and administered by a foreign power. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why "sphere of influence" is the most suitable term in this context.