satellite state

plural satellite states

1. A country that is formally independent, yet remains subject to substantial external influence or control by another state.

   From this may be gathered, as is often confirmed by the press in the satellite states, that the Soviet Union has become more interested in the military protection of the industries of the satellite states.

   2021 [1956], Elis Biörklund, International Atomic Policy During a Decade […] , Routledge, →ISBN, page 84

   1 more example

   As the principal link between the satellite states, the "Balt-Orient Express" is the train most affected by the gradual liberalisation of travel, and had frequently to be strengthened or duplicated during the summer of 1956.

   1957 November 28, 'Fahrplanschriftleiter', “International Passenger Services in Eastern Europe”, in Railway Magazine, page 802