confederation
n. countable C1 Advanced US //kənˌfɛdɝˈeɪʃən// UK //kənfˌɛdəɹˈeɪʃən// con·fed·er·a·tion
n. a group of separate states or organizations that work together but keep their own independence.
n. a political union of sovereign states or groups that cooperate on specific matters while retaining internal autonomy.
The Swiss Confederation is made up of many cantons.
The new confederation allowed each member state to keep its own laws and currency.
Historical confederations often struggle with central authority, as member states fiercely protect their right to self-governance.