If I were a European leader during the Age of Imperialism, I would attempt to approach my goal of expanding my empire through diplomacy. Much like the control the United States achieved over China through the Open Door Policy, I would try to secure a strong economic influence in the country/territory and create international agreements (which made other countries feel like they had huge influence) to secure my own interests there. Then, I would find a resource that said country/territory could not live without and become the sole provider of said resource. Then, the country would have no choice but to depend on my European power (wah haha). Basically, I would manipulate the country/territory I want into needing my power while making other international powers think that they have a good deal while in reality I have the economic spoils and they have only a little. By using diplomacy rather than force or "international bullying," I have not created much of a conflict. Instead, everyone is blissfully ignorant of the fact that my country has completely taken over. Therefore, this is the perfect solution with definitely no disadvantages.
*Please note that a good bit of this answer was quite sarcastic, but I think you get the gist. :))
