“In our changing world, nothing changes more than geography” (Pearl S. Buck)

The concept of the nation-state system was no doubt formally originated in the 17th century, after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. But a special type of territory, zone, or state has always been at the epicenter of traditional politics, which is known as the ‘buffer state.’ During the era of empires and kingdoms, the areas that were declared or considered neutral were kept as a strategic cushion between the two empires. 

Thus, buffer states can be considered as the very first mode of creating deterrence between the two powers. In the traditional political realm, buffer states did not enjoy an autonomous role and were shadowed by the stronger political actors. However, in the modern international arena, in particular the multipolar world, buffer states are now heading towards strategic autonomy, whereby the balancing and hedging techniques are their main source of exercising agency. 

This article argues that, no doubt, the nature of buffer states remained rooted in their geographical placement, but their role and scope have been evolving throughout the course of history. In today’s geopolitical world, they are playing a more proactive role whose choices of alignment could either stabilize or destabilize the regional as well as global politics.

John Chay and Thomas Ross, in their seminal work, “Buffer States in World Politics,” defined buffer states as “countries geographically and/or politically situated between two or more large powers whose function is to maintain peace between the larger powers.”

Michael G. Partem, in his article, “The Buffer System in International Relations,” stated that a buffer state is “geographically located between two rival states… small or weak… and neutral in its foreign policy.”

Trygve Mathison, in his book, “The Functions of Small States in the Strategies of Great Powers,” defined buffer states as “small independent states lying between two larger states, usually the rivals, [that] are referred to as buffer states.”

Characteristics of a Buffer Territory 

Must be located between rival states, two or more big powers.

Must separate adversarial states physically or politically.

Must be small and militarily weak in their respective region.

The policy of non-alignment is their primary foreign policy approach. 

Sovereignty of buffer states depends on neighbouring territories. 

Difference Between Buffer States and Related Concepts 

“States pursuing a policy of non-alignment during war scenarios and alliance formation, regardless of their geographical location, are known as neutral states.” Unlike buffer states, neutral states are not necessarily sandwiched between two rival powers. Examples include Switzerland and Ireland. 

“States which have surrendered their sovereignty and are completely controlled by a dominating power in all matters are........

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