Confederation
A union of sovereign groups or states, united for purposes of common action
Real World Example
In early Roman history, the concept of confederation was important as it allowed different tribes and communities to unite for mutual defense and cooperation while maintaining their independence. This system responded to the challenges of frequent invasions and the need for collective security and strength against common enemies. Confederations helped create stability and allowed the Romans to expand their influence without directly conquering every group. Today, the idea of confederation is seen in organizations like the European Union, where independent countries work together on issues like trade and security, benefiting from shared resources and ideas. For example, when countries unite to tackle climate change, they pool their knowledge and resources, leading to more effective solutions that benefit everyone, much like when Roman tribes united for their common good.