Associated State Guide

: Despite delegating some powers, associated states often maintain a distinct international identity, allowing them to join certain regional organizations or engage in limited bilateral diplomacy. Examples of Modern Associated States Associated State Principal State Key Feature Cook Islands New Zealand Citizens are also New Zealand citizens. Palau United States

: A key feature of "free association" is that the relationship is not permanent; the associated state usually retains the right to terminate the association and move toward full independence or another status. associated state

In political science and international law, an is a sovereign or semi-sovereign territory that has a formal, free, and voluntary relationship with a larger "principal" state. : Despite delegating some powers, associated states often

Includes access to many U.S. domestic programs and services. In political science and international law, an is

: The smaller state voluntarily delegates specific functions—most commonly national defense and foreign relations —to the principal state.

: Citizens of associated states often receive specific privileges in the principal state, such as migration rights , access to federal disaster relief, or postal services.