What is the difference between a neutral state and a buffer state?

The concepts of a neutral state and a buffer state, while related, have distinct characteristics and implications in international relations.

Neutral State

• A neutral state is a country that remains neutral towards belligerents in a specific war or maintains permanent neutrality in all future conflicts. This neutrality is often enshrined in international law, such as the Hague Convention of 190714.
• Neutral states can adopt various forms of neutrality, including armed neutrality (e.g., Switzerland and historically Sweden), where the state maintains a military to defend its neutrality, or demilitarized neutrality (e.g., Costa Rica), where the state reduces or abolishes its military14.
• Neutral states may participate in international organizations and peacekeeping missions but avoid military alliances and direct involvement in conflicts.
• The primary goal of a neutral state is to avoid participation in wars and maintain its independence and sovereignty.

Buffer State

• A buffer state is a country located geographically between two or more powerful and potentially hostile great powers. Its primary function is to act as a neutral zone that can help prevent direct conflict between these powers25.
• Buffer states are not necessarily neutral by choice but are often situated in a way that makes them a strategic point of contention. They may have their own military forces but are typically not aligned with either of the surrounding great powers5.
• The existence of a buffer state can sometimes prevent conflict by providing a physical separation between rival powers, but it also makes the buffer state vulnerable to invasion or occupation by either of the surrounding powers25.
• Unlike neutral states, buffer states are not defined by their own policy of neutrality but by their geographical position and the strategic interests of the surrounding powers.

Key Differences

• Voluntary Neutrality vs. Geographical Position: Neutral states choose to remain neutral, while buffer states are defined by their geographical location between rival powers.
• Military and Alliances: Neutral states may have a military (armed neutrality) or not (demilitarized), and they avoid military alliances. Buffer states typically have their own military but are not part of military alliances with the surrounding great powers.
• Purpose: The primary purpose of a neutral state is to avoid involvement in conflicts, while the primary function of a buffer state is to act as a physical barrier between rival powers, even though this does not guarantee their safety or independence.
• International Law: Neutrality is often protected under international law, whereas the status of a buffer state is more dependent on the balance of power and strategic interests of the surrounding great powers.