semicolonialism
/ˌsɛmiːkəˈloʊniəˌlɪzəm/
noun
- A condition in which a country or region is partly controlled by a foreign power, but not fully colonized.
- Semicolonialism often involves economic dependence and political influence without direct rule.
- Many historians describe China in the 19th century as experiencing semicolonialism, with foreign powers controlling trade and ports.
- The concept of semicolonialism helps explain how some nations maintained their own governments while foreign powers held significant power.