/leftypol/ - Leftist Politically Incorrect

A territory of your country is demanding independence, but you ain't willing to let it be?
Just play the free association card!
A free association is when a state becomes a minor partner in a formal, free relationship between a political territory with a degree of statehood and a (usually larger) nation, for which no other specific term, such as protectorate, is adopted. They are able to exercise self-government and can be separate members of UN organizations, and in some situations considered as sovereign states; however, its parent state still retains control over some of its affairs, like military and foreign relations. If I could describe it, it would be "semi-independence!" Countries may freely see it as a part of a major nation or not, thereby eliminating tensions!
This is a great middling solution for countries with active separatist movements (like that of Indonesia) or have opposing interpretations (like that of Taiwan). Just play the freely associated state card and boom! Problems solved! No more fighting! Self-control were granted to those who wish, but the parent state still gets to retain power!