An action taken to control or influence an area or people in an area is called

Sanction

Explanation:

The sanction is an official order that is taken against a country or people. It is a penalty for disobeying the law. Sanction influence people in two ways, i. e. to punish people for disobeying the rules or norms of any society. Secondly, approve or disapprove the social action of people in that particular area.