Legal Definitions - satellite state

Definition: A satellite state is a country that is obliged to share in the control of its external relations with some foreign power or powers. It is also known as a client state.

Examples: During the Cold War, many countries in Eastern Europe were satellite states of the Soviet Union. They were not fully independent and had to follow the policies of the Soviet Union in their external relations. For example, East Germany was a satellite state of the Soviet Union and had to follow its policies in foreign affairs.

Explanation: A satellite state is a country that is not fully independent and has to share control of its external relations with a foreign power. This means that the foreign power can influence the policies of the satellite state in its foreign affairs. The example of Eastern Europe during the Cold War illustrates this definition, as these countries were under the control of the Soviet Union and had to follow its policies in foreign affairs.