What term describes the predominant influence of one country over others?

The term "hegemony" specifically refers to the dominance or leadership of one country or group over others, particularly in the context of political, economic, or military influence. It encapsulates not just direct control but also the ability to shape policies and influence the behavior of other nations through soft power, rather than coercion. This concept is often discussed in international relations to describe how powerful states can exert their influence on weaker states, establishing a hierarchy in which the hegemonic power leads and sets the agenda.

The other terms, while related to power dynamics, do not capture the same broad and nuanced meaning as hegemony. "Dominion" often implies outright control or sovereignty, while "authority" and "control" can refer to various forms of power or influence, but they lack the specific contextual usage of "hegemony" in global politics. Thus, hegemony is the most accurate term for describing the predominant influence of one country over others.