Protectorate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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protectorate
[prəˈtɛktəˌræt ]
Definition
political status
A protectorate is a state that is controlled and protected by another, more powerful state. In a protectorate, the local government maintains some degree of autonomy, but is generally overseen by the protecting power, particularly in matters of foreign affairs and defense.
Synonyms
client state, dependent territory, satellite state.
Examples of usage
- The colony was declared a protectorate after years of conflict.
- The country enjoyed a period of stability under the terms of the protectorate.
- During the protectorate, many local traditions were preserved.
Translations
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Origin of 'protectorate'
The term 'protectorate' originates from the Middle English word 'protecteur,' which was derived from the Latin 'protector', meaning 'defender' or 'guardian'. This concept evolved around the early modern period when some European powers began establishing protectorates during their colonial expansions. The practice allowed them to maintain control over territories while ostensibly granting local rulers a degree of sovereignty. Examples include the British protectorate over Egypt in the late 19th century and the French protectorate in Morocco in the early 20th century. Such arrangements often resulted in a complex interplay of power, where local traditions and laws were sometimes respected or overridden by the protecting state, depending on the geopolitical interests involved.