(international politics) A dominant nation or state that has control over the international affairs of a subservient state which otherwise has domestic autonomy.

plural of suzerain

plural of suzeraine

Alternative form of suzerain

A relation between states in which a subservient nation has its own government, but is unable to take international action independent of the superior state; a similar relationship between other entities.

plural of suzerainty

suzerainty

plural of suzerainship