associated state
- noun
- Formal
:
estado asociado
- The relationship between the associated state and the mother country is defined by a treaty that outlines their respective rights.
Examples
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The associated state of Puerto Rico has its own local government but relies on the United States for defense.
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A valid association does not amount to independence; however, specific sovereignty powers are delegated by the associated state to its partner in the association agreement.
Academic text (1997) -
Such delegation is limited in turn by the principle of revocability, whereby the associated state reserves the right to terminate the association unilaterally and fully exercise its sovereignty.
Academic text (1997) -
As an associated state, the Cook Islands can make its own laws while still being part of New Zealand.
Synonyms
9
9.1
A territory that keeps its own government but is partly controlled and protected by a stronger country
How Independent
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase literally combines 'associated' (linked or connected) with 'state', so a learner who knows both words can infer a basic meaning: a state that is linked or connected to another. However, the specific political nuance — partial control by a stronger power, treaty-based relationship, and retained internal autonomy (i.e. protectorate-like status) — is technical and not fully predictable from the constituents alone.
Etymology
The noun associated state comes from the picture of a small state that is associated with a larger country, like a little country walking beside a big one under the big country's 'protection'. That's why today associated state means a territory tied to a stronger state but free to run its own 'internal affairs'.