What is imperialism?

Imperialism is best defined as the economic and political domination of a strong nation over weaker ones. This concept encompasses the practices through which powerful countries exert control or influence over less powerful nations, often leading to the exploitation of resources and the enforcement of the dominant nation's culture, political systems, and economic practices.

In exploring this definition, it is essential to consider how imperialism seeks to establish and maintain supremacy, often justified by ideologies of superiority or a civilizing mission. The historical context shows that imperialism has frequently involved not just military conquest but also economic control via trade agreements, investment, and the establishment of colonial administrations that serve the interests of the imperial power.

The other options do not capture the essence of imperialism accurately. For instance, the idea of building secret alliances pertains more to diplomatic strategies rather than outright domination and exploitation characteristic of imperialism. The internal expansion of territories suggests a focus on extending control within existing borders, rather than on the relationships between nations with differing power dynamics. Lastly, the notion of political desire to bring economic prosperity is broader and could apply to many political ideologies or actions that do not necessarily involve imperialist practices. Hence, option A most accurately encapsulates the fundamental nature of imperialism.