independent states

[ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt steɪts]
nounpl: independent states
estados independentes
1. Sovereign nations that have complete self-governance and are not under the political control of another state
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many independent states emerged in Eastern Europe.
Após a dissolução da União Soviética, muitos estados independentes surgiram na Europa Oriental.
2. Political entities recognized by international law as having the right to self-determination and representation in global affairs
The United Nations comprises 193 independent states as member nations.
As Nações Unidas compreendem 193 estados independentes como nações membros.
3. Countries that possess their own government, laws, and ability to conduct foreign relations without external control
Independent states have the authority to enter into treaties and maintain diplomatic relations.
Estados independentes têm a autoridade de celebrar tratados e manter relações diplomáticas.
This term is particularly significant in Brazilian and Portuguese historical contexts, as both nations have experiences with independence from colonial powers. In Brazil, 'independência' is celebrated on September 7th (Independence Day). The concept of 'estados independentes' is also relevant in discussions of the historical 'Independent States of America' (the original thirteen colonies) and modern geopolitical developments, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States formed after the Soviet Union's collapse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sovereign nationssovereign statescountriesnationsself-governing states
Antonyms / Antônimos
dependent territoriescoloniesprotectoratespuppet statesoccupied territories

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
estados independentes
Standard term used in political science and international relations discourse
Portugal
estados independentes
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; commonly used in academic and diplomatic contexts
USA
independent states
Historical reference to the original thirteen American states before federal union; also used in contemporary geopolitics

Related Words

sovereigntyself-determinationautonomyfederationconfederationstatehoodnation-stategeopolitics

Related Idioms & Phrases

path to independence
declare independence
gain independence
sovereign state status
international recognition
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →