Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

puppet government: a government which is endowed with the outward symbols of authority but in which direction and control are exercised by another power (Merriam-Webster's Dictionary)

A puppet state, puppet régime or puppet government, is a state that is de jure independent but de facto completely dependent upon an outside power and completely submits to their orders. Puppet states have nominal sovereignty, but a foreign or otherwise alien power effectively exercises control for reasons such as financial interests, economic or military support. (Wikipedia)