buffer state
/ˈbʌfər ˌsteɪt/
a neutral country between rival powers
buffer state in a sentence
“Belgium was designed as a buffer state.”
Origin of buffer state
From buffer cushion against shocks
Related Words
proxy war
a conflict where major powers support opposing sides
containment
preventing the expansion of hostile power
deterrence
discouraging attack through threat of retaliation
brinksmanship
pushing a dangerous situation to the edge
Balkanization
fragmentation into smaller hostile units
Finlandization
forced neutrality under a powerful neighbor's influence