Final answer:
Non-sovereign geographic areas under another country's control can result from colonialism, spheres of influence, or annexation. Such areas are influenced or controlled by stronger states, often leading to complex political situations like in Crimea or Taiwan.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-sovereign geographic areas that come under the control of another country can occur through various forms of control. These areas might not have full sovereignty and are often subject to the political and economic interests of another nation. Colonialism is one system where a ruling country establishes a colony to exploit trade for its own benefit. In spheres of influence, foreign powers might not formally annex territory, but still exert significant control over it, including establishing military bases and taking over areas of business.
During various periods of history, countries such as France, Great Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands have controlled territories beyond their borders. Today, some geographical regions remain contested due to historical claims and ethnic ties, leading to complex situations such as that of Crimea and Taiwan. Annexation is another relevant term which refers to a nation declaring sovereignty over an area that was not previously under its control, often meeting opposition from the international community or from within the annexed region itself.
Irredenta describes a situation where a region is under the political control of one country but has strong ethnic ties to another, which can lead to tensions or conflict. For instance, a minority in the controlled state may seek to join a neighboring state where their ethnic group is in the majority.
Maps illustrating postcolonial influence show the vast influence European countries once exerted over the globe. Some areas have since moved towards self-governance and independence, while others continue to navigate the legacy of European control.