What characterizes a "buffer state"?

A buffer state is characterized as a country situated between two larger, often competing nations, which serves to mitigate potential conflicts and tensions between them. The presence of a buffer state can help stabilize the region by acting as a neutral zone, reducing the likelihood of military confrontations and promoting peace.

In historical contexts, buffer states have often played significant roles during periods of geopolitical tensions, such as the relationship between Russia and its neighboring countries. By maintaining a buffer state, larger nations can create a barrier to absorb or delay military advances, which in turn may discourage direct conflict.

The other options represent different geographic or political concepts that do not align with the specific definition of a buffer state. For instance, a nation entirely surrounded by one other country describes an enclave, while a geographical area prone to natural disasters does not pertain to political relationships. Additionally, a state that is economically dependent on others relates more to economic interactions than geopolitical positioning.