Dependent States

States can be classified into two general categories: dependent and independent. A dependent state does not exercise the full range of power over external affairs that an independent state possesses under International Law. The controlling or protecting state may also regulate some of the internal affairs of the dependent state. Formal treaties and the conditions under which the status of dependency has been recognized by other states govern the balance of sovereign powers exercised by the protecting state and the dependent state. Various terms have been used to describe different types of dependent states, such as condominium, mandate, protectorate, and vassal state. Since 1945 there has been strong international pressure to eliminate forms of dependency associated with colonialism.