To incite a raid in Civilization VII, follow these steps based on the information available on the web:
Locate Independent Powers or Settlements:
•First, you need to find an Independent Power or settlement on your map. Use scouts to explore and identify these locations if you're unsure where they are.
•Interact with the Independent Power: Once you've found their base or village, click on it. This action will open up interaction options. [Source: game8.co, civilization.2k.com]
•Select the "Incite Raid" Option: Among the actions available when you interact with an Independent Power, you'll see the option to "Incite Raid." Select this action to proceed. [Source: game8.co]
•Choose Your Target: After choosing to incite a raid, you'll be presented with a list of leaders or civilizations you've met. Select the one you want the Independent Power to attack. [Source: game8.co]
•Spend Influence: Inciting a raid costs Influence. The cost mentioned in one source is 30 Influence. Spend this Influence to confirm the raid. [Source: game8.co]
•Observe the Outcome: Once you've incited the raid, the Independent Power will shift its focus to attacking the targeted civilization on the next turn. This can divert their aggression away from your own settlements temporarily. [Source: game8.co]
Additional Considerations: 
Benefits:
•Inciting a raid can redirect hostile Independent Powers away from your territories, providing you with temporary relief from attacks.
•It can also serve as a strategic move to weaken another civilization, especially if you're at war with them or aiming for a military victory. [Source: game8.co]
Drawbacks:
•The effects are temporary, meaning you might need to spend more Influence in subsequent turns to continue the pressure.
•Independent Powers are not fully allied with you; they won't fight indefinitely on your behalf.
Influence Acquisition:
•Influence in Civilization VII can be gained through various means like buildings, social policies, attributes, leaders, civ abilities, Wonders, and some narrative events. [Source: civilization.2k.com]
By leveraging this mechanic, you can manipulate the behavior of Independent Powers to your strategic advantage, but always be mindful of your Influence reserves and the long-term implications of your actions on the game's diplomacy and warfare dynamics.
