Which of the following is a key feature of imperialism?

The key feature of imperialism is the control and governance of foreign lands. Imperialism involves one nation extending its power and influence over other countries or regions, often through military force, political manipulation, or economic dominance. This control can manifest in various forms, such as direct colonial rule, where the imperial power governs the territory directly, or through indirect means, such as establishing a puppet government.

This process often leads to the exploitation of the resources and labor of the colonized areas for the benefit of the imperial power. The other options, while relevant to economic and cultural interactions, do not capture the essence of imperialism as primarily characterized by the exertion of control and governance over foreign territories. For instance, while local economies may be affected, they do not drive the fundamental aspect of imperialism, which is the dominance and authority over another land. Similarly, promotion of local culture or investment in local businesses may occur within imperial contexts, but they do not define imperialism itself.