Introduction
Subsidiary Alliance is a term often used in the context of international relations and military alliances. It refers to a strategic partnership between two countries, where one country (the subsidiary) agrees to follow the policies and decisions of the other country (the dominant power). This type of alliance is typically formed to strengthen the dominant power’s influence and control over the subsidiary, without directly annexing or colonizing it.
History
The concept of subsidiary alliances was popularized by the British East India Company in the 18th and 19th centuries, as a means of extending its control over various Indian princely states. These alliances allowed the British to maintain indirect control over the territories, by installing puppet rulers who were loyal to the Company.
Key Features
- Political subordination of the subsidiary to the dominant power
- Deployment of the dominant power’s troops in the subsidiary’s territory
- Restrictions on the subsidiary’s foreign relations and military alliances
- Financial obligations imposed on the subsidiary
Examples
One of the most famous examples of a subsidiary alliance is the Treaty of Subsidiary Alliance signed between the British East India Company and the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1798. Under this treaty, the Nizam was required to pay for the maintenance of a British subsidiary force in his territory, and to follow British advice on all matters of governance.
Case Studies
In more recent history, the United States has been accused of using subsidiary alliances to exert influence in Latin America. For example, the US has been criticized for supporting dictatorial regimes in countries like Honduras and Guatemala, in exchange for military bases and economic concessions.
Statistics
According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the US accounted for 38% of global military spending in 2020. This vast military power allows the US to enter into subsidiary alliances with smaller countries, in order to project its influence and protect its strategic interests.
