dependency, a territory under the jurisdiction of astate 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 itautonomy 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 ofGuernsey, the Bailiwick ofJersey, and theIsle 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 theUnited Kingdom, although the United Kingdom’s government is responsible for some of their affairs.

Dependency theory, an approach within the field ofinternational 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.