File:1_Sapèque_-_Protectorate_of_Tonkin_(1905)_02.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
AI overview
A protectorate is a territory that gives up control over its own foreign policy and defense in exchange for protection from a more powerful country, while keeping autonomy over its internal affairs. These arrangements matter because they represent a middle ground between complete independence and outright conquest—allowing smaller or weaker territories to gain security through formal agreements with stronger nations.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.