Crossword Genius

Reportedly obstruct some states (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bloc

'some states' is the definition.
(bloc can mean a political grouping of countries)

'reportedly obstruct' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'obstruct' becomes 'block' (blocking is a kind of obstructing).
'block' sounds like 'BLOC'.

(Other definitions for bloc that I've seen before include "Group of allied nations" , "Political allies" , "International alliance" , "Group of countries in special alliance" , "Political grouping of countries" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app