buffer state

American  

noun

1. a nation lying between potentially hostile larger nations.

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buffer state British  

noun

1. a small neutral state between two rival powers

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Etymology

Origin of buffer state

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Syria’s future would be determined by the Arabs, Iran would accept Iraq as a neutral buffer state between it and the Sunni Arab world, and an uneasy peace would prevail.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2018

The U.S. troops give Kim leverage with China, which sees North Korea as a buffer state between its border and a well-armed U.S. ally.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2018

Retreating from earlier pledges, the British did not demand an Indian buffer state around the Great Lakes, and left Tecumseh’s followers to face the Americans alone.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

“They want to establish a buffer state here where terrorists come for refuge,” Mr. Singh said.

From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2014

And now the fighting was again in Belgium, that little buffer state which, ever since she became a nation, has always been the battleground of European wars.

From The Boy Allies on the Firing Line Or, Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne by Hayes, Clair W. (Clair Wallace)