tributary state

The tributary state is the opposite of the garrison state. A garrison state retains its sovereign independence from foreign control or intimidation by jettisoning liberty. By contrast, a tributary state retains the liberties of its citizens by sacrificing sovereign independence.... The tributary state is familiar from history. Many weak countries have averted attack or conquest by bargaining with aggressors. In return for being allowed to preserve its internal autonomy and the way of life of its people, the tributary state may agree to defer to the aggressor in its foreign policy. Finland, during the Cold War, was a tributary state in this sense.