buffer state
Noun
Meaning
a small neutral state between two rival powers
Source: WordNetSynonyms
Antonyms
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Examples
Bhutan is another strategic buffer state between India and China.
As a result, the country remained a buffer state between parts of Southeast Asia that were colonised by the two colonial powers, Great Britain and France.
We'll take the New Hampshire State Liquor stores along the border and torch the rest of that scabrous dump, then change the official state motto to "Live as Maine's puppet buffer state or die!"
In an effort to maintain Bhutan as a stable buffer state, India continued to provide substantial amounts of development aid.
In the 750s CE the Kingdom of Nanzhao managed to defeat four invading Chinese armies, creating a buffer state from Chinese expansion into Southeast Asia for approximately 150 years.
The Americans refused to consider a buffer state and the proposal was dropped.