substaat

A substate is a political entity that is subordinate to a larger political entity, often referred to as a "suprastate." The term is commonly used in international relations and political science to describe various forms of political dependency. Substates can take different forms, including protectorates, mandates, and trust territories, each with its own specific characteristics and historical contexts.

Protectorates are territories under the control of a foreign power, which provides protection and administration. The protectorate status often arises from colonialism, where a colonizing power maintains control over a conquered territory. The protectorate system was prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with examples including British protectorates in Africa and Asia.

Mandates are territories placed under the administration of a League of Nations or United Nations member state, following World War I. The League of Nations established mandates to manage territories that were not ready for self-government. The most notable example is the British Mandate for Palestine, which eventually led to the establishment of the State of Israel.

Trust territories are territories placed under the administration of a trustee power by the United Nations, following World War II. The trustee power is responsible for the administration of the territory until it becomes self-governing. Examples include the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and the Trust Territory of New Guinea.

Substates can also refer to smaller political entities within a larger state, such as autonomous regions or federated states. These entities have a degree of self-governance but remain part of a larger political entity. Examples include the autonomous regions of Spain and the federated states of the United States.

The status of a substate can evolve over time, with territories gaining independence or merging with larger political entities. The historical and political contexts of substate relationships are complex and varied, reflecting the diverse paths of decolonization and state formation.