Neocolonialism refers to the practice where a country exerts control over another country, often through economic or cultural means, rather than direct political rule. This can manifest in various forms, such as multinational corporations exploiting resources in developing nations or foreign governments influencing local policies to serve their interests. The term highlights the ongoing impact of colonialism, where former colonial powers maintain dominance over their former colonies. This can lead to economic dependency and social inequalities, as local populations may struggle to assert their sovereignty against external influences, often resulting in a cycle of exploitation and underdevelopment.