1. A territory or region that is under the political control or sovereignty of another state and lacks full independence in its governance
The island became a dependent state after the colonial powers took control.
A ilha tornou-se um estado dependente após as potências coloniais assumirem o controle.
2. In political science, a nation that relies on another nation for defense, foreign policy decisions, or economic support
Several Caribbean nations function as dependent states within larger political unions.
Várias nações caribenhas funcionam como estados dependentes dentro de uniões políticas maiores.
3. A condition where a political entity cannot exercise complete sovereignty over its own affairs
The region's dependent state status was established by international treaty.
O status de estado dependente da região foi estabelecido por tratado internacional.