The doctrine of lapse is a concept in political science that suggests that states lose their sovereignty or control over territories or populations that they ha...
The doctrine of lapse is a concept in political science that suggests that states lose their sovereignty or control over territories or populations that they have established through military conquest or economic coercion over time. The doctrine states that once a state has achieved a certain level of power over a territory, the state's sovereignty over that territory is limited and that the inhabitants of that territory can potentially regain independence or autonomy.
Examples:
The doctrine can be applied to states that have established colonies or protectorates in other countries. Over time, the state may lose control of these territories due to various factors, such as economic competition, political upheaval, or the evolving political landscape of the colonized country.
The doctrine can also apply to states that have colonized other territories. Over time, the colonized territory may become autonomous or independent, leading to the state losing its sovereignty over the territory.
The doctrine can also apply to states that have established economic empires, such as the British Empire or the American Empire. As these empires expanded, they gradually gained control of vast territories and resources, which they used to expand their power and influence. However, once the empires became established, the states gradually lost control of these territories, leading to the doctrine of lapse