In history, the term protectorate has two different meanings. In its earliest inception, which has been adopted by modern international law, it is an autonomous territory that is protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger state or entity. In exchange for this, the protectorate usually accepts specified obligations, which may vary greatly, depending on the real nature of their relationship. However, it retains formal sovereignty, and remains a state under international law. A territory subject to this type of arrangement is also known as a protected state.

A second meaning came about as a result of European colonial expansion in the nineteenth century. Many colonized territories (mentioned on this page) came to be referred to as "colonial protectorates", but were not regarded as separate states under international law. Entities referred to as "international protectorates" can become so subordinated to the protecting power that in effect they lose their independent statehood, though there are exceptions.

Albin Kurti (born 24 March 1975, in Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia) is the leading activist and leader of VETËVENDOSJE!, and Deputy at Assembly of Kosovo. He came to prominence in 1997 as the vice-president of UPSUP, the University of Pristina Student Union, and the main organiser of the non-violent demonstrations in autumn 1997 and spring 1998. When Adem Demaçi became the political representative of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), Albin Kurti worked in his office.

In April 1999, during the NATO's air strikes on Yugoslavia, he was arrested by Yugoslav forces and beaten up. Later that year he was charged with "jeopardizing Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and conspiring to commit an enemy activity linked to terrorism," a crime that carries maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. During the trial he refused to recognize the legitimacy of court by citing: "This trial has nothing common with the truth and with the justice. This trial serves to the daily politics of Milošević, who occupied Kosovo". When convicted he said, "It is not important if you convict me or how long. Everything I have said and done I did voluntarily and with dignity, I'm proud for this and if I would have the chance I would do it again." He was freed in December 2001 by Yugoslavia's post-Milošević government amid international pressure.