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Glite Dictionary
buffer country

buffer country

6.8
A small neutral state that lies between two rival powers to reduce conflict
  • noun
  • /ˈbʌfər ˈkʌntri/
translation icon : país tapón
  • During the Cold War, Mongolia was considered a buffer country between China and the Soviet Union.

Examples

  • Switzerland sometimes acted as a buffer country between European powers during times of conflict.

  • The existence of a buffer country can reduce direct tensions between neighbors.

  • Switzerland is often considered a buffer country in Europe.

  • The buffer countries between the superpowers play a crucial role in diplomacy.

  • During the Cold War, Mongolia was considered a buffer country between China and the Soviet Union.

  • Switzerland sometimes acted as a buffer country during conflicts between European powers.

  • The presence of a buffer country can help prevent conflicts between larger neighboring nations.

Synonyms

buffer
vsbuffer country
19 5.2

An area of land between two groups to reduce the chance of fighting

is about a small neutral sovereign unit rather than a mere land zone
buffer state
vsbuffer country
1 6.8

A small neutral country between two larger rival countries that reduces the risk of war

is the same concept named as a sovereign political unit

How Protective

protectorate
  • Specialized
9 9.1
buffer country
6.8
neutral
2 4.2

Surface Forms

buffer country singular
buffer countries plural

Morphology

buffer + country

The compound is directly compositional: 'buffer' (a zone reducing conflict) + 'country' (a nation) yields the idea of a country that serves as a buffer between rivals. This follows a regular noun–noun composition pattern and has clear cross-linguistic equivalents (e.g. French 'pays tampon', Spanish 'país tapón'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the meaning.

Etymology

Buffer country comes from the idea of a buffer, like a cushion or barrier, placed between two big rival powers. Imagine a small country sitting between them to keep the rivals apart; that's why it means a state that helps 'prevent conflict'.