Staatenbünde

Staatenbünde, often translated as "union of states" or "confederation of states," refers to a political system where sovereign states delegate specific powers to a central authority while retaining ultimate sovereignty. This arrangement differs from a federal state, where sovereignty is shared between the central government and constituent states, and from a simple alliance, which typically involves cooperation on specific issues without creating a lasting political entity. In a Staatenbund, the member states are the primary actors, and the central body usually has limited powers, often focused on defense, foreign policy, or economic cooperation. Decisions within the central body are frequently made by consensus or require unanimous agreement from the member states. The central authority in a Staatenbund typically has no direct authority over individual citizens, instead acting through the governments of the member states. Historically, many early forms of states, such as the Articles of Confederation in the United States or the German Confederation, have been described as Staatenbünde. The stability and effectiveness of a Staatenbund can be a challenge, as the strong emphasis on individual state sovereignty can lead to internal divisions and difficulties in implementing common policies. Ultimately, the member states retain the right to withdraw from the union, a characteristic that distinguishes it from more integrated political structures.