Suzerainty: meaning, definitions and examples
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suzerainty
[ ˈsuːzərˌeɪnti ]
political control
Suzerainty refers to a relationship in which a sovereign state or emperor maintains control over a subordinate state or territory. This control can be partial or complete, with the suzerain allowing for some degree of local autonomy while retaining the ultimate authority. The term is often used in historical contexts, particularly in relation to colonial or imperial rule. Suzerainty can also denote the rights and responsibilities that come with such a relationship, including the protection of the subordinate state in exchange for certain obligations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The treaty established a suzerainty over the small region.
- Historical accounts describe the suzerainty of the Mongols over various territories.
- The British Empire exercised suzerainty in parts of India.
- Debates continue about the nature of suzerainty in the post-colonial world.
Translations
Translations of the word "suzerainty" in other languages:
🇵🇹 suserania
🇮🇳 सुपरानिटी
🇩🇪 Lehensherrschaft
🇮🇩 suzerainty
🇺🇦 сузеренітет
🇵🇱 suzerenność
🇯🇵 宗主権
🇫🇷 suzeraineté
🇪🇸 suzeranía
🇹🇷 suzerenlik
🇰🇷 종주권
🇸🇦 السيادة
🇨🇿 suverenita
🇸🇰 suverenita
🇨🇳 宗主权
🇸🇮 suzereniteta
🇮🇸 suzerainty
🇰🇿 сүзеренитет
🇬🇪 სუზერენიტეტი
🇦🇿 suzerenlik
🇲🇽 suzeranía
Etymology
The term 'suzerainty' originates from the Middle French word 'suzerain', which means 'overlord', and can be traced back further to the Latin word 'subseranus', meaning 'to be under'. In feudal times, the relationship denoted the allegiance of a vassal to a lord, where the lord had the right to govern the vassal's lands while the vassal was obliged to serve and protect the lord's interests. This concept evolved through various European conflicts and political structures, solidifying its place in diplomacy and international law. The use of suzerainty became more pronounced during the colonial period when larger empires sought influence over smaller nations, illustrating a power dynamic where one state would offer protection or governance in return for loyalty or tribute. Over time, the significance of suzerainty has persisted in discussions of sovereignty, territorial disputes, and international relations, highlighting the complexities of power and governance.