Legal Definitions - protecting power

Definition: A protecting power is a country that is responsible for protecting the citizens and interests of another country during a conflict or when diplomatic ties are suspended between the citizens' country and a third party. The protecting power ensures that the nationals who are in a belligerent's territory, especially prisoners of war, are treated properly.

Example: During World War II, Switzerland acted as a protecting power for the United States and other countries that did not have diplomatic relations with Germany. The Swiss government protected the interests of these countries and their citizens in Germany and ensured that their nationals were treated humanely.

Explanation: In this example, Switzerland acted as a protecting power for the United States and other countries during World War II. Switzerland was accepted by both belligerents, and it worked to ensure that the proper treatment was given to the nationals who were in Germany. The Swiss government protected the interests of these countries and their citizens in Germany and ensured that their nationals were treated humanely, especially prisoners of war.