dependency

dependency, a territory under the jurisdiction of a state but not formally annexed by it. A state may control some of a dependency’s affairs, such as defense, foreign relations, and internal security, and allow it autonomy in certain domestic affairs. These relationships can be highly variable from state to state and dependency to dependency, and they also often change over time. They are shaped by the historical and cultural relationships between the dependent territory and the state.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man are examples of dependencies; specifically, they are British crown dependencies, which are self-governing territories that are overseen by the British monarch but are not part of the United Kingdom, although the United Kingdom’s government is responsible for some of their affairs.

Dependency theory, an approach within the field of international relations, views the world through economic relationships between “peripheral,” underdeveloped countries (sometimes considered “dependencies,” in a broad sense) and a wealthy, more powerful “core” of developed countries.