What is the primary policy that describes strong nations extending control over weaker territories?

The primary policy that describes strong nations extending control over weaker territories is imperialism. This concept involves not just the acquisition of land but also the exertion of political, economic, and cultural influence over other nations or regions. Throughout history, imperialism has manifested itself through colonization, military conquest, and diplomatic pressure, as powerful countries seek to expand their influence and control resources, markets, and strategic advantages.

While colonial expansion can be a method of imperialism, it specifically refers to the act of establishing colonies, which is one aspect of the broader imperialistic strategy. Globalization, on the other hand, refers to the interconnectedness of economies and cultures on a global scale and does not imply control over territories. Isolationism represents a foreign policy stance where a nation refrains from involvement in international alliances or conflicts, which is contrary to the idea of actively extending control over weaker territories. Thus, imperialism encompasses the full range of practices and policies through which a dominant nation asserts its power over others.