The Livonian Confederation was a political alliance formed in the late 13th century in the region of present-day Latvia and Estonia. It consisted of several territories, including the Duchy of Courland, the Bishopric of Livonia, and various towns like Riga. The confederation aimed to strengthen local governance and defend against external threats, particularly from the Teutonic Knights and Russia. The confederation was characterized by a loose structure, where each member maintained a degree of autonomy while cooperating on military and economic matters. It played a significant role in the Baltic region until the 16th century, when internal conflicts and external pressures led to its decline and eventual dissolution.