Legal Definitions - dependent state

A dependent state is a type of nonsovereign state that is subject to the control of a foreign power or powers in some way. This means that the dependent state does not have complete control over its external relations and may have to share in the control of its foreign affairs with the foreign power or powers.

Examples of dependent states include client states and satellite states. A client state is a country that is obliged to share in the control of its external relations with a foreign power or powers. An example of a client state is Afghanistan during the Cold War, which was a client state of the Soviet Union. A satellite state is a country that is completely controlled by a foreign power or powers. An example of a satellite state is East Germany during the Cold War, which was a satellite state of the Soviet Union.

These examples illustrate the definition of a dependent state because they show how a country can be subject to the control of a foreign power or powers in different ways. In both cases, the dependent state does not have complete control over its external relations and may have to share in the control of its foreign affairs with the foreign power or powers.