What is a Semistate? Definition, Examples, and Characteristics
A semistate is a type of state that has some, but not all, of the characteristics of a full state. It is a political entity that has a degree of sovereignty and control over its own affairs, but it also depends on another state or international organization for certain aspects of its governance.
There are several reasons why a state might become semistate:
1. Weakened capacity: A state may lose some of its sovereign powers due to internal conflicts, external intervention, or economic weakness, leading to a decline in its ability to govern itself effectively.
2. External intervention: A state may be subject to external intervention, such as foreign occupation or the imposition of a trusteeship, which limits its autonomy and decision-making power.
3. Divided sovereignty: A state may share sovereignty with another state or international organization, such as in a federal system where powers are divided between the central government and constituent states or regions.
4. Transitional phase: A state may be in a transitional phase, such as after a revolution or civil war, when it is still consolidating its institutions and establishing its authority over the territory.
Examples of semistates include:
1. Bosnia and Herzegovina: After the Dayton Accords ended the Bosnian War in 1995, the country was established as a decentralized state with a complex system of power-sharing between the central government and two constituent entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.
2. Kosovo: Declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but its sovereignty is still not fully recognized by all countries, and it relies on international assistance for many aspects of its governance.
3. Palestine: The Palestinian National Authority has limited self-governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but it lacks full sovereignty due to Israel's ongoing occupation and control over much of the territory.
4. Somaliland: Declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but its sovereignty is not recognized by the international community, and it relies on external assistance for many aspects of its governance.
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