Editing Vassal (section)

==Difference between "vassal" and "vassal state"==
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{{see also|Vassal state}}
Many empires have set up [[vassal state]]s, based on tribes, kingdoms, or city-states, the subjects of which they wish to control without having to conquer or directly govern them. In these cases a subordinate state (such as a [[Dependent territory|dependency]], [[residency (country subdivision)|residency]], [[client state]] or [[protectorate]]) has retained internal autonomy, but has lost independence in foreign policy, while also, in many instances, paying formal [[tribute]], or providing troops when requested.
This is a similar relationship to vassals, but vassals hold [[fief]]doms which are present in the actual territory of the monarch.

In this framework, a "formal colony" or "junior ally" might also be regarded as a vassal state in terms of international relations, analogous to a domestic "fief-holder" or "trustee".

The concept of a vassal state uses the concept of personal vassalry to theorize formally [[Hegemony|hegemonic]] relationships between states – even those using non-personal forms of rule. Imperial states to which this terminology has been applied include, for instance: [[Ancient Rome]], the [[Mongol Empire]], [[Imperial China]] and the [[British Empire]].