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Satellite state Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Understanding Satellite States: Definitions, History, and Examples

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Understanding Satellite States: Definitions, History, and Examples Study Guide

Defining Satellite States: Concepts and Terminology

A satellite state is characterized by complete political and economic independence, with no external power exerting influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fundamental characteristic of a satellite state is its lack of complete political and economic independence, as it is subject to significant control or influence from a dominant external power.

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The analogy used to describe a satellite state compares it to a celestial body orbiting a larger planet.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'satellite state' draws an analogy from celestial mechanics, likening the subordinate state's relationship to a dominant power to that of a moon or planet orbiting a larger celestial body.

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Satellite states primarily served as economic partners, providing resources to dominant powers.

Answer: False

Explanation: While economic relationships existed, the primary role of satellite states was often strategic and political, serving as buffers or extensions of the dominant power's influence, rather than solely as economic partners.

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The term 'satellite state' implies a relationship of significant external control over a formally independent nation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The designation of a 'satellite state' inherently suggests a formal independence that is overshadowed by substantial external control or influence exerted by a dominant power.

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The definition of a satellite state implies that the state lacks genuine decision-making power.

Answer: True

Explanation: A core implication of the term 'satellite state' is the absence of genuine decision-making power, as its policies and actions are largely dictated by a dominant external power.

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The analogy of celestial bodies orbiting a larger planet is used to explain the relationship in a satellite state.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'satellite state' employs an analogy to celestial bodies, such as moons orbiting a planet, to illustrate the dependent and subordinate relationship between the satellite and the dominant power.

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What is the fundamental characteristic defining a satellite state according to the provided text?

Answer: Formal independence coupled with significant external control.

Explanation: The core definition of a satellite state involves formal independence that is substantially undermined by significant political, economic, or military control exerted by a dominant external power.

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The term 'satellite state' draws an analogy from which concept?

Answer: Moons or planets orbiting a larger planet.

Explanation: The term 'satellite state' is derived from the analogy of celestial bodies, specifically smaller objects like moons or planets that orbit a larger planet, illustrating a relationship of dependence and subordination.

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What does it mean for a state to be 'nominally sovereign'?

Answer: It has the formal attributes of independence but lacks true autonomy.

Explanation: A state that is 'nominally sovereign' possesses the formal characteristics of independence, such as recognition and its own government, but its actual autonomy and decision-making power are significantly limited by external control.

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The Cold War and Soviet Hegemony in Europe

The term 'satellite state' was primarily applied to nations in Central and South America during the 1950s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'satellite state' is most commonly associated with the Central and Eastern European nations under Soviet influence during the Cold War era, not with Central and South America in the 1950s.

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Post-WWII Eastern European countries became Soviet satellite states primarily through democratic elections that favored communist parties.

Answer: False

Explanation: The establishment of Soviet satellite states in Eastern Europe post-WWII was primarily achieved through Soviet military occupation and the subsequent consolidation of power by communist parties within coalition governments, rather than solely through democratic electoral processes.

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Establishing Stalinist systems involved liquidating opposition members within coalition governments.

Answer: True

Explanation: The consolidation of Stalinist systems in Soviet-occupied countries involved the systematic liquidation of coalition government members who opposed Soviet interests.

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During the Cold War, satellite states served as a defensive perimeter for the Soviet Union against NATO.

Answer: True

Explanation: The satellite states within the Soviet bloc functioned as a strategic buffer zone, creating a defensive perimeter that separated the Soviet Union from NATO member states.

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The concept of satellite states is primarily associated with the post-World War II era.

Answer: True

Explanation: Although the concept has earlier roots, the term 'satellite state' gained prominence and widespread application primarily in the context of the post-World War II geopolitical landscape, particularly during the Cold War.

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During which historical period was the term 'satellite state' most commonly applied to nations in Central and Eastern Europe?

Answer: The Cold War era, particularly concerning the Warsaw Pact.

Explanation: The term 'satellite state' was most frequently applied to Central and Eastern European nations during the Cold War, especially those aligned with the Soviet Union through the Warsaw Pact.

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How were Soviet satellite states typically established in Eastern Europe after World War II?

Answer: Via Soviet military occupation and the subsequent dominance of communist parties in coalition governments.

Explanation: Following World War II, Soviet military occupation persisted in many Eastern European nations, enabling the establishment of communist-dominated governments within coalition structures, thereby creating satellite states.

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What was a key method used to consolidate Stalinist systems in Soviet-occupied countries?

Answer: Liquidation of coalition members opposing Soviet interests.

Explanation: A critical tactic employed to consolidate Stalinist systems involved the elimination of coalition government members who resisted Soviet directives, thereby securing the dominance of pro-Soviet factions.

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Soviet Satellite States: Asia and Early Examples

Besides Eastern European nations, Mongolia and Tuva were also significantly dominated by the Soviet Union.

Answer: True

Explanation: The provided information explicitly mentions Mongolia and Tuva, in addition to Eastern European nations, as countries that experienced significant domination by the Soviet Union.

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Mongolia became the Mongolian People's Republic after the Bogd Khan's death, solidifying Soviet influence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the death of the Bogd Khan in 1924, the Mongolian People's Republic was proclaimed, marking a period of solidified Soviet influence over the nation.

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The Mongolian People's Republic maintained its status as a Soviet satellite state until the late 1990s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mongolian People's Republic is considered to have maintained its status as a Soviet satellite state until 1990, not the late 1990s.

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The Tuvan People's Republic was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1944 after being a Russian protectorate.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tuvan People's Republic, which had previously been a protectorate of Imperial Russia, was formally annexed by the Soviet Union in 1944.

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The Far Eastern Republic was a long-lasting Soviet satellite state in Central Asia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Far Eastern Republic was a short-lived Soviet satellite state located in Siberia, not a long-lasting one in Central Asia.

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North Korea is considered a Soviet satellite state by some scholars from its establishment in 1948 until 1958.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain scholarly interpretations classify North Korea as a Soviet satellite state from its founding in 1948 until the August faction incident in 1958.

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The East Turkestan Republic was a Soviet satellite that was later absorbed by Japan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The East Turkestan Republic was a short-lived Soviet satellite state that was eventually absorbed into the People's Republic of China, not Japan.

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The Azerbaijan People's Government and the Republic of Mahabad were short-lived states in Soviet-occupied Iran.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Azerbaijan People's Government and the Republic of Mahabad were indeed short-lived states established in Soviet-occupied Iran during the mid-1940s.

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Afghanistan was a Soviet satellite regime from 1978 to 1991, with direct military occupation occurring from 1979 to 1989.

Answer: True

Explanation: Afghanistan functioned as a Soviet satellite regime between 1978 and 1991, a period that included direct Soviet military occupation from 1979 to 1989.

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The establishment of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924 was preceded by the expulsion of White Guards with Soviet assistance.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mongolian Revolution of 1921, which involved the expulsion of White Guards with Soviet Red Army assistance, paved the way for the proclamation of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924.

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The Soviet Union annexed the Tuvan People's Republic in 1944.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tuvan People's Republic was formally annexed into the Russian SFSR of the Soviet Union in 1944.

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The Soviet Union occupied Afghanistan from 1978 to 1991, establishing it as a satellite regime.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Afghanistan was a Soviet satellite regime from 1978 to 1991, the direct military occupation by the Soviet Union occurred from 1979 to 1989, not the entire period.

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The Republic of Mahabad was a satellite state within Soviet-occupied Iran.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Republic of Mahabad, along with the Azerbaijan People's Government, was a short-lived state established in Soviet-occupied Iran during the mid-1940s.

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The German Democratic Republic (East Germany) was not considered a Soviet satellite state.

Answer: False

Explanation: The German Democratic Republic (East Germany) is explicitly listed among the Soviet satellite states in the provided information, rendering the statement that it was not considered one as false.

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Which of the following countries, besides those in Eastern Europe, are mentioned as being dominated by the Soviet Union between 1924 and 1990?

Answer: Mongolia and Tuva

Explanation: The provided text specifically identifies Mongolia and Tuva as countries, in addition to Eastern European nations, that were significantly dominated by the Soviet Union during the period from 1924 to 1990.

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Which event marked the beginning of the Mongolian People's Republic's period under Soviet dominance?

Answer: The proclamation of the Republic after the Bogd Khan's death in 1924.

Explanation: The proclamation of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924, following the death of the Bogd Khan, signified the commencement of its period under substantial Soviet dominance.

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For how long is the Mongolian People's Republic generally considered a satellite state of the Soviet Union?

Answer: From 1924 to 1990

Explanation: The Mongolian People's Republic is generally considered a Soviet satellite state from its establishment in 1924 until 1990.

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What was the status of the Tuvan People's Republic before its annexation by the Soviet Union in 1944?

Answer: A protectorate of Imperial Russia and later a tightly controlled Soviet satellite.

Explanation: Prior to its annexation in 1944, the Tuvan People's Republic had been a protectorate of Imperial Russia and subsequently operated under tight Soviet control, functioning as a satellite state.

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Which of the following was a short-lived Soviet satellite state located in Siberia?

Answer: The Far Eastern Republic

Explanation: The Far Eastern Republic, situated in Siberia, is identified as a short-lived Soviet satellite state.

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According to some scholars, North Korea's period as a Soviet satellite state concluded around which event?

Answer: The August faction incident in 1958.

Explanation: Some scholars posit that North Korea's status as a Soviet satellite state concluded around the time of the August faction incident in 1958.

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The Azerbaijan People's Government and the Republic of Mahabad existed in which region during the mid-1940s?

Answer: Soviet-occupied Iran

Explanation: The Azerbaijan People's Government and the Republic of Mahabad were short-lived states established in Soviet-occupied Iran during the mid-1940s.

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What were the dates of Afghanistan's status as a satellite regime under the Soviet Union?

Answer: 1978-1991

Explanation: Afghanistan was considered a satellite regime under the Soviet Union from 1978 to 1991.

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Divergence and Resistance within the Soviet Bloc

Yugoslavia remained a Soviet satellite state throughout the entire Cold War period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Yugoslavia, under Josip Broz Tito, broke away from the Soviet sphere of influence following the 1948 Tito-Stalin split and subsequently became a leader in the Non-Aligned Movement.

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Albania broke ties with the Soviet Union due to ideological disagreements following Khrushchev's de-Stalinization.

Answer: True

Explanation: Albania, under Enver Hoxha, separated from Soviet influence in 1961, a move that was significantly influenced by ideological divergences arising from the Soviet Union's de-Stalinization process.

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Romania's de-satellization process was completed by 1956, shortly after the Warsaw Pact was formed.

Answer: False

Explanation: Romania's de-satellization process began in 1956 but concluded by 1965, with significant economic disagreements with Moscow playing a key role in its rejection of Soviet hegemony.

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The Tito-Stalin split in 1948 led Yugoslavia to align more closely with the Soviet Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tito-Stalin split in 1948 resulted in Yugoslavia breaking away from the Soviet sphere of influence and aligning with the Non-Aligned Movement.

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The Non-Aligned Movement was formed by states seeking closer ties with the Soviet Union after breaking away from Yugoslavia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Non-Aligned Movement was formed by states seeking to remain independent of both the Soviet-led and US-led blocs, with Yugoslavia being a key proponent after its break from Soviet influence.

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Romania's rejection of Soviet hegemony was primarily driven by ideological differences.

Answer: False

Explanation: Romania's move away from Soviet dominance was primarily attributed to serious economic disagreements with Moscow, rather than ideological differences.

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What event caused Yugoslavia to break away from the Soviet sphere of influence in 1948?

Answer: The Tito-Stalin split.

Explanation: The ideological and political schism known as the Tito-Stalin split in 1948 led to Yugoslavia's definitive break from the Soviet Union's sphere of influence.

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Following its break from the Soviet orbit, Yugoslavia became a key proponent of which international movement?

Answer: The Non-Aligned Movement

Explanation: After separating from the Soviet orbit in 1948, Yugoslavia emerged as a principal advocate and founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.

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Albania's separation from Soviet influence in 1961 was a consequence of which broader Soviet policy shift?

Answer: The process of de-Stalinization.

Explanation: Albania's definitive break from Soviet influence in 1961 occurred in the context of the Soviet Union's broader policy shift towards de-Stalinization, which created ideological friction.

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What were the primary reasons cited for Romania's move away from Soviet dominance?

Answer: Serious economic disagreements with Moscow.

Explanation: The primary drivers for Romania's move away from Soviet dominance were significant economic disagreements with Moscow, culminating in a rejection of Soviet hegemony.

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Contemporary Debates on State Influence and Autonomy

Concerns about American satellite states primarily focus on nations in South America.

Answer: False

Explanation: Concerns regarding potential American satellite states have been raised in various regions, including the Balkans and the Middle East, not exclusively focused on South America.

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William Pfaff warned that a permanent US military presence in Iraq could lead to it becoming an American satellite state.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Pfaff articulated a concern that a sustained US military presence in Iraq might result in the country evolving into an American satellite state.

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John Pilger accused John Howard of making Australia the '51st state' of America.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Pilger's critique suggested that under John Howard's leadership, Australia had become subservient to the United States, likening this relationship to becoming the '51st state'.

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North Korea views South Korea as an independent nation with no significant foreign influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: North Korea frequently characterizes South Korea as a 'puppet state' of the United States, indicating a perception of significant foreign influence and a lack of genuine autonomy.

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The Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands are listed as having significant autonomy despite US influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: These nations are listed as examples of satellite states with 'almost no autonomy' in the context of US influence, rather than having significant autonomy.

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Kosovo is classified as a 'semi-satellite' state concerning US influence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kosovo is identified in the provided text as a 'semi-satellite' state in relation to US influence, suggesting a degree of external control that is substantial but not absolute.

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Belarus is described as a satellite state with considerable autonomy under Russian influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Belarus is described as a satellite state with 'almost no autonomy' under Russian influence, not considerable autonomy.

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North Korea is categorized as having 'almost no autonomy' under China's influence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text classifies North Korea as having 'almost no autonomy' concerning China's influence, highlighting a significant level of dependency.

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Cambodia and Laos are considered fully autonomous states, not influenced by China.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cambodia and Laos are listed as 'semi-satellite' states in the context of China's influence, indicating they are not considered fully autonomous.

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Monaco and Andorra are identified as satellite states with minimal French influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Monaco and Andorra are identified as satellite states with 'almost no autonomy' under French influence, not minimal influence.

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Djibouti and Comoros are classified as 'semi-satellite' states in relation to French influence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Djibouti and Comoros are classified as 'semi-satellite' states, indicating a significant degree of French influence over these nations.

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Bhutan is described as having significant autonomy under India's influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bhutan is identified as having 'almost no autonomy' under India's influence, not significant autonomy.

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Bahrain is considered a satellite state with substantial autonomy under Saudi Arabian influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bahrain is classified as a satellite state with 'almost no autonomy' under Saudi Arabian influence, not substantial autonomy.

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Countries like Monaco and Andorra are described as having 'almost no autonomy' under French influence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Monaco and Andorra are cited as examples of satellite states exhibiting 'almost no autonomy' due to their significant relationship with France.

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Bhutan is identified as having 'almost no autonomy' under the influence of India.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bhutan is characterized as a satellite state with 'almost no autonomy' due to the substantial influence exerted by India.

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A 'semi-satellite' state, like Kosovo in relation to the US, implies a lesser degree of external control than a full satellite state.

Answer: True

Explanation: The classification of a 'semi-satellite' state suggests a level of external control that is significant but less absolute than that implied by the term 'satellite state'.

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William Pfaff expressed concern that a permanent US military presence in which country could turn it into an American satellite state?

Answer: Iraq

Explanation: William Pfaff specifically warned that a protracted US military presence in Iraq carried the potential risk of transforming it into an American satellite state.

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John Pilger's accusation regarding Australia under John Howard suggested it had become subservient to the US, akin to what?

Answer: The 51st state

Explanation: John Pilger's accusation characterized Australia under John Howard as having become subservient to the United States, likening it to the '51st state'.

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How does North Korea characterize South Korea's relationship with the United States?

Answer: As a 'puppet state'.

Explanation: North Korea consistently describes South Korea's relationship with the United States as that of a 'puppet state,' implying a lack of genuine autonomy.

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Which nations are listed as examples of US satellite states with 'almost no autonomy'?

Answer: The Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands

Explanation: The Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands are cited as examples of satellite states exhibiting 'almost no autonomy' under US influence.

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Which country is identified as a 'semi-satellite' state in relation to US influence?

Answer: Kosovo

Explanation: Kosovo is identified as a 'semi-satellite' state within the context of US influence, indicating a significant but not absolute level of external control.

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Under Russia's influence, which country is described as a satellite state with 'almost no autonomy'?

Answer: Belarus

Explanation: Belarus is characterized as a satellite state possessing 'almost no autonomy' under the influence of Russia.

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Which of the following is listed as a 'semi-satellite' state under China's influence?

Answer: Laos

Explanation: Laos is identified as a 'semi-satellite' state within the context of China's influence, indicating a substantial but not complete level of control.

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Which small European principalities are listed as having 'almost no autonomy' under France's influence?

Answer: Monaco and Andorra

Explanation: Monaco and Andorra are cited as examples of satellite states with 'almost no autonomy' due to their significant relationship with France.

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Bhutan is identified as having 'almost no autonomy' primarily due to the influence of which country?

Answer: India

Explanation: Bhutan is characterized as a satellite state with 'almost no autonomy' due to the substantial influence exerted by India.

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