konfederatio

Konfederatio, also spelled confederation, is a political term referring to a union of independent states or territories that have agreed to cooperate on certain matters, such as defense, foreign policy, or economic development. The term is derived from the Latin word "confœderatio," which means "a league or alliance." Confederations are typically characterized by a high degree of autonomy among the member states, which retain their own governments, constitutions, and legal systems.

The concept of a confederation has been used throughout history, with notable examples including the Swiss Confederation, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Confederate States of America, which existed during the American Civil War. In modern times, confederations are often seen in the context of international organizations, such as the European Union, where member states cooperate on various issues while maintaining their sovereignty.

The structure and governance of a confederation can vary widely. Some confederations have a central government with limited powers, while others have a more decentralized structure with significant autonomy for member states. The degree of cooperation and integration among member states can also vary, ranging from loose alliances to highly integrated economic and political unions.

Confederations are often contrasted with federations, which are characterized by a more centralized government and a stronger integration of member states. While both confederations and federations involve cooperation among independent states, the degree of autonomy and integration is typically greater in federations.