He has failed to grasp the issue of autonomous regions within countries wishing to gain independence.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Generally the cities were successful in gaining independence from the church and feudal lords.
Hunt, E. K. Property and Prophets: The Evolution of Economic Institutions and Ideologies (1995)
He left such indignities behind when the country gained independence in 1980, but there were new challenges.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)