Editing Vassal state (section)

{{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 in [[ancient China]]. 

The relationships between vassal rulers and empires were dependent on the policies and agreements of each empire. While the 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]].