Patrons and Proxies

A state that acts in the interests of a more powerful hegemon or patron is most commonly called a client state or a puppet state, depending on its level of independence.

Here is how these and related terms are categorized in international relations:

Core Terms

Client State

A state that is economically, politically, or militarily subordinate to a more powerful state (the patron). While it retains its official sovereignty, it heavily relies on the patron for protection or resources and usually aligns its foreign policy to match the patron's interests.

Puppet State

A harsher term for a state that possesses nominal independence but is completely dependent upon an outside power. Its government is effectively controlled by the hegemon, and it acts purely as an instrument of that patron's will.

Related Political Terms

Satellite State

A term popularized during the Cold War to describe a country that is formally independent but under heavy political, economic, and military control from another nation (such as the Warsaw Pact countries under the Soviet Union).

Vassal State

A historical term for a state that has a mutual obligation to a superior state or empire, usually involving paying tribute or providing military support in exchange for protection.

Proxy

When a client state fights a war or engages in a conflict on behalf of or supported by the hegemon, it is referred to as a proxy.