Where There's a Will, There's a Way - Russia in Global Affairs
: A key feature of "free association" is that the relationship is not permanent; the associated state usually retains the right to terminate the association and move toward full independence or another status.
: Citizens of associated states often receive specific privileges in the principal state, such as migration rights , access to federal disaster relief, or postal services.
: The associated state maintains full control over its internal constitution and domestic affairs. It determines its own legal and political systems without outside interference.
Defense is provided by the U.S. under a Compact of Free Association. United States
Includes access to many U.S. domestic programs and services.
: The smaller state voluntarily delegates specific functions—most commonly national defense and foreign relations —to the principal state.
Below are the core components or "features" that define this status: