I don't see how this is "allowed" (in the sense that lack of tangible action implies consent). In this day and age waging an economic "war" to exert power isn'

I don't see how this is "allowed" (in the sense that lack of tangible action implies consent). In this day and age waging an economic "war" to exert power isn't really materially different to exerting it with fire-power over a larger time scale. Arguably in the west economic dominance is MORE effective, as it's considered acceptable, whereas armed conflict is dubious at best.