Vassal state: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{short description|State subordinate to another state}}

{{forms of government}}

A '''vassal state''' is any [[State (polity)|state]] that has a mutual obligation to a superior state or empire, in a status similar to that of a [[vassal]] in the [[Feudalism|feudal system]] in [[Middle Ages|medieval]] Europe. Vassal states were common among the empires of the [[Near East]], dating back to the era of the [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]]ian, [[Hittites|Hittite]], and [[Mitanni]] conflict, as well as [[Ancient China]]. The use of vassal states continued through the Middle Ages, with the last empire to use such states arguably being the [[Ottoman Empire]],{{cn|date=February 2024}} though some{{who|date=February 2024}} say that the [[British Empire]] never had vassal states as well.{{cn|date=February 2024}}

The relationships between vassal rulers and empires were dependent on the policies and agreements of each empire. While payment of [[tribute]] and military service was common amongst vassal states, the degree of independence and benefits given to vassal states varied. Today, more common terms are [[puppet state]], [[protectorate]], [[client state]], [[associated state]], or [[satellite state]].