Influence

Hi,

i have a question about influence. Because now i don't understand how it really works.

In my last test game the Altarian was my neighbors. Their influence overruns my whole empire after a couple of turns.

I could not do anythings against that. No techs. buildings or ideology helps.

Where is the joke at this?

Many thanks in  advance

EDIT: I see! And that's great. To play and fight over influence pressure is really really fun! I love it