Quasi-state
A quasi-state (some times referred to as state-like entity[2] or formatively a proto-state[3][2]) is a political entity that does not represent a fully autonomous sovereign state with its own institutions.[4]
Not to be confused with protostates or deep state.
The precise definition of quasi-state in political literature fluctuates depending on the context in which it is used. It has been used by some modern scholars to describe the self-governing British colonies and dependencies that exercised a form of home rule but remained crucial parts of the British Empire and subject firstly to the metropole's administration.[5][6] Similarly, the Republics of the Soviet Union, which represented administrative units with their own respective national distinctions, have also been described as quasi-states.[4]
In the 21st century usage, the term quasi-state has most often been evoked in reference to militant secessionist groups who claim, and exercise some form of territorial control over, a specific region, but which lack institutional cohesion.[5] Such quasi-states include the Republika Srpska and Herzeg-Bosnia during the Bosnian War,[5] the Republic of Serbian Krajina during the Croatian War of Independence,[7] and Azawad during the 2012 Tuareg rebellion.[8] The Islamic State is also widely held to be an example of a modern quasi-state or proto-state.[9][2][10][11]