Legal Definitions - colony

A colony, in international law, refers to a territory that is politically and legally dependent on another independent country, often geographically distant. While a colony may have its own local administration, its ultimate sovereignty, defense, foreign relations, and significant governmental decisions are controlled by the "parent" country. The people residing in a colony are typically subjects or citizens of the controlling nation, and the territory's affairs are managed under the authority of that nation.

• 17th Century North American Settlements:

  Scenario: During the 17th century, the Kingdom of England established several settlements along the eastern seaboard of North America, such as the Province of Massachusetts Bay. These territories were governed by charters granted by the English Crown, and their laws and trade were subject to the authority of the English Parliament and monarch. The inhabitants were considered English subjects, even though they lived thousands of miles away.

  Explanation: This illustrates a colony because Massachusetts Bay was a distinct territory under the direct political and legal control of England. It lacked independent sovereignty, with its governance and international standing determined by the distant "parent country."

• Post-World War II African Territories:

  Scenario: After World War II, many territories in Africa remained under the control of European powers like France or Belgium. For instance, French West Africa was a vast federation of territories administered by France. While local councils existed, ultimate political power, defense, and foreign policy decisions for these territories were made in Paris. The resources of these territories were often integrated into the French economic system.

  Explanation: French West Africa serves as an example of a colony because it was a collection of territories whose ultimate political authority, economic direction, and international representation were dictated by France. Despite its geographical distance and distinct population, it was not an independent nation but a dependency of the French state.

• Modern Non-Self-Governing Territories:

  Scenario: Consider a small, remote island group in the Caribbean Sea that is officially designated as an overseas territory of a European nation. The islanders have local elections for their assembly, which manages internal affairs like education and healthcare. However, the European nation is responsible for the island's defense, foreign policy, and judicial system, and its constitution ultimately derives from the European country's parliament.

  Explanation: This island group functions as a colony because, despite its internal self-governance, it lacks full sovereignty. Its most critical governmental powers—defense, foreign relations, and constitutional authority—are held by the distant European "parent" country, making it a dependent entity in the international legal sense.