What do you call a sovereign state that is controlled and protected by a larger state?

A sovereign state that is controlled and protected by a larger state is called a protectorate. The protectorate receives protection from the larger state. In return, the larger state may establish military bases in the country. It also may have some control over the affairs of the country it is protecting. Many of the colonial powers have established protectorates at one time or another.

The protectorate status has benefits for both sides. The country doing the protecting is able to expand its influence around the world. Besides having the ability to establish a military presence, the protecting country may have some control over the country it is protecting. The country being protected still chooses its leaders and makes its laws. It doesn’t have to worry about defending itself since the protecting country will handle that for them. They also are not a colony. They are independent. One example of a protectorate was Barbados. This was a protectorate of Great Britain. Cuba was a protectorate of the United States for a period of time.