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buffer state

This phrase generally referred to a small state lying more or less between two much larger and antagonistic states. It could thus take on the role of a buffer, not because of its own strength but because each of its larger neighbours was reluctant to attempt its annexation for fear of the reaction of the large rival state on the smaller state\'s other side. However, such a situation was by no means a guarantee of the small state\'s territorial integrity: one of the larger states might chance its arm; or they might both agree to divide the intervening state between them. Thus the concept of a buffer state implied the acceptance of the use of armed force and of territorial annexation as instruments of national policy. As, in the second half of the twentieth century, those instruments largely went out of fashion (in both political and legal respects), little is now heard of buffer states. In consequence, small states are much more physically secure than they used to be. But they are no less subject to non-physical pressures from larger states than hitherto.

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Other Terms : visa | dependent territory | pro-consul

buffer state

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