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John... there is a difference between what is SAID and what actually IS.
Let's look at Taiwan.
China SAYS Taiwan is not independent, yet the reality is Taiwan is independent from China in all but name. For all intents and purposes it acts outside Beijings leadership.
The reverse occurs with many countries allied or protected by America. You need to understand what exactly a "sphere of influence" is. It is the amount a nation can go against the direct wishes of another nation. Though independent in name, the allied nation loses independence in areas like foreign policy, and certain economic areas in exchange for the continued "protection.
Malaysia for example, is an example of a "protectorate" that fell under the British Empire. As I said, Rome had many protectorates, many of which came under direct control at later dates. The aforementioned Judaea started out as a protectorate. Notice how Herod was King when Jesus was born, but how Pilate was governor when he died. Only the protectorate of Galilee continued to have a "King" Herod Antipas.
If Australians had decided to embrace a communist government during the cold war, you can bet your bottom dollar the American empire would have overthrown it. That is not true independence.
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