With his connections, he had a box seat in the negotiations.
Благодаря своим связям, он находился в выгодном положении на переговорах.
Definitions
A box seat is a premium seat in a theater, stadium, or arena, typically located in a private or semi-private area (called a 'box') that offers a better view and more comfort than regular seating. The term can also be used figuratively to mean a position of advantage or a place where one can observe events closely.