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Geography

How Buffer States Maintain Sovereignty Between Rival Powers

Quick fact

Mongolia, squeezed between Russia and China, is one of the world's best examples of a modern buffer state—its survival strategy relies on hosting occasional foreign military drills with both neighbors, but never permanently siding with either.

Why this is interesting

Imagine a small village nestled between two armies camping on opposite hills. How can the villagers stay independent when both giants could crush them with a single step?