Phrase used on Newsnight

[TheLibrary]

Phrase used by Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight 12th February. Had a customer ask this question, the word had something to do with the relationship between Russia and the other old Soviet Union states when the USSR was around. The word began with S, with Saturn possibly being part of the word. (although not certain)

Pretty vague description I know but I think the word is something to do with Russia being the main power within the USSR and the other states acting like Sattelites, if this makes any sense =S

We couldnt answer the question for him but its beginning to frustrate me. Damn curiosity !

[Quizmonster]

'Satrap' can mean a tyrranical ruler...which the USSR often was. Could that be it?

[TheLibrary]

Possibly, i'll see if I can catch the gentleman again. Hopefully it is the correct word !

Thanks Alot =)

p.s Feel free to post anymore ideas you come across.

[BigMac]

I think you've answered your own question: Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, etc were known as satellite states.

Russia was used almost synonymously with USSR so all the other countries were dependent on Russia - if you like, as an orbiting satellite is dependent on the gratvitational pull of the major planet (if my astronomical analogy is correct...)

Another phrase might have been client states - don't know if that helps at all?

[TheLibrary]

Thanks again, all very helpful answers.

I'll have to try out that BBC iPlayer see if I can get my hands on the darn word.

[Hammond Egg]

Could it have been 'sphere of influence?'

[bednobs]

saturnine?