coercion

Definition

the use of force, pressure, or threats to make something happen

A hard-edged word for power applied through pressure rather than persuasion: the feeling that events are being pushed, squeezed, and forced into motion.

In Context

“This week feels like coercion in the open air, with war diplomacy stalling, the U.S. shifting toward crushing sanctions on Iran, and Gulf trade, shipping, and oil prices all bending under the pressure.”