Meaning

A self-governing territory that has entered into a formal, voluntary political partnership with a larger sovereign nation, typically retaining control over internal affairs while delegating external responsibilities like defense and diplomacy to the partner state.

Examples

• The island nation operates as an associated state, allowing it to manage its own local laws while relying on the larger power for international representation.
• Political scholars often debate the long-term implications of the associated state model for territories seeking greater autonomy.