A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A suzerain is a person or nation that has control over another nation's foreign relations. In history, it also referred to a Crown tenant, who held an estate immediately of the Crown.

1. During the colonial era, European powers acted as suzerains over their colonies, controlling their foreign relations and trade policies.

2. In feudal times, a suzerain was a lord who granted land to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and military service.

3. The United States is often seen as a suzerain in its relationship with smaller countries in the Americas, such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

These examples illustrate how a suzerain has power and control over another entity's foreign affairs. In the first example, the European powers had complete control over their colonies' foreign relations, while in the second example, the suzerain had control over the vassal's military service. In the third example, the United States has significant influence over the foreign policies of smaller countries in the region.