Direct rule is a type of colonial rule in which the foreign power exercises direct control over the colony, including its administration, laws, and economy.

Indirect rule is a type of colonial rule in which the foreign power allows the colony to have some degree of self-government, often through local leaders or institutions.

Settler colonialism is a type of colonial rule in which a foreign power establishes a permanent settlement in a colony, often displacing the indigenous population.

Economic colonialism is a type of colonial rule in which a foreign power exploits the colony's resources, such as minerals, crops, or labor, for its own economic benefit.

Cultural colonialism is a type of colonial rule in which the foreign power spreads its own culture and values to the colony, often through education, religion, or media.

Dominion status was a type of colonial rule in which a self-governing colony within the British Empire was granted a high degree of autonomy, but remained under the sovereignty of the British Crown.

A protectorate is a type of colonial rule in which a territory is under the protection of a foreign power, which is responsible for its defense and foreign affairs, but the territory retains its own internal government.

A sphere of influence is a type of colonial rule in which a foreign power has exclusive economic and political privileges in an area, but does not directly control the territory.

A concession is a type of colonial rule in which a local ruler grants land or rights to a foreign power, often in exchange for economic or political benefits.

A mandate is a type of colonial rule in which a territory is administered by a foreign power under the supervision of the League of Nations, which was established after World War I.

A trusteeship is a type of colonial rule in which a territory is administered by a foreign power under the supervision of the United Nations, which was established after World War II.

A commonwealth is a type of colonial rule in which a group of self-governing states that were formerly part of the British Empire are united by a common history, language, and culture.

A colony is a type of colonial rule in which a territory is ruled by a foreign power, which exercises control over the territory's administration, laws, and economy.

A protectorate is a type of colonial rule in which a territory is under the protection of a foreign power, which is responsible for its defense and foreign affairs, but the territory retains its own internal government.

A sphere of influence is a type of colonial rule in which a foreign power has exclusive economic and political privileges in an area, but does not directly control the territory.