konfederatsiya

Konfederatsiya is a form of political association or union, typically between states, that preserves the autonomy of each member entity while creating a common framework for cooperation on specific matters. This structure differs from a federation, where powers are divided between a central government and constituent states, often with the central government holding supreme authority in defined areas. In a confederation, the constituent states generally retain their sovereignty and delegate only limited powers to the central body, which often acts as an agency of the member states rather than an independent sovereign entity.

The central authority in a confederation is usually weaker than in a federation and its decisions may require unanimous consent or a supermajority of the member states to be implemented. The member states are often free to withdraw from the confederation. Historically, confederations have been formed for purposes such as mutual defense, economic cooperation, or to address shared political challenges. Examples include the early United States under the Articles of Confederation, the German Confederation, and Switzerland before its transformation into a federal state. The success and longevity of confederations vary, often depending on the specific terms of the agreement and the willingness of member states to cooperate.