Here's an analysis of Russia's involvement in proxy wars around the world, based on the provided sources and my knowledge:

Russia's Involvement in Proxy Wars: A Global Perspective

Key Areas of Russian Proxy Warfare

Russia has a well-documented history of utilizing proxy forces to advance its strategic interests, particularly in the context of great-power competition. This approach allows Russia to exert influence, test weaponry, disrupt rivals, and secure strategic positions while avoiding direct military confrontation, which is a key characteristic of proxy wars [1] [2].

Motivations and Strategic Goals

• Ukraine: The conflict in Ukraine is a prime example of a modern proxy war, with Russia supporting separatist forces and later launching a full-scale invasion. The U.S. and its allies have, in turn, supported Ukraine with military and financial aid [3]. Russia's strategy has evolved, utilizing proxies like the Wagner Group and the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Armies to serve as attritional forces, while also consolidating its territorial gains [4].
• Syria: Russia's intervention in the Syrian civil war, beginning in 2015, saw it supporting the Assad regime with military assistance, including air and artillery cover, while relying on Iranian proxies like Hezbollah [5]. This intervention allowed Russia to establish a permanent military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and exert influence in the region [6].
• Libya: Russia has been involved in the Libyan conflict, supporting General Khalifa Haftar and increasing its military presence in the country. This has allowed Russia to access airfields and potentially establish a deepwater port, furthering its strategic goals in the region [7].
• Africa: Russia has been expanding its influence in Africa, supporting coups and providing arms to various factions, including in Sudan, where it has supported both sides of the conflict [8].
• Yemen: While not explicitly stated in the provided sources, Russia's support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen is implied, as the sources mention Iran's support for the Houthis, and Russia and Iran are often aligned in their geopolitical goals [9].

Russia's motivations for engaging in proxy wars include:

Implications and Challenges

• Avoiding Direct Confrontation: Proxy wars allow Russia to compete with the United States and other powers without risking direct military engagement, especially in the nuclear age [1] [2].
• Weakening Rivals: By supporting forces that destabilize regions and challenge U.S. interests, Russia aims to undermine the United States' global influence [10].
• Securing Strategic Positions: Proxy wars can help Russia gain access to resources, establish military bases, and project power in key regions [5] [7].
• Testing Capabilities: Proxy conflicts provide opportunities to test weaponry and tactics in real-world scenarios [2].

Based on the analysis, the answer is: Yes, Russia is actively involved in proxy wars across the globe, utilizing various strategies and supporting different actors to advance its strategic interests.

• Escalation Risks: Proxy wars can escalate into larger conflicts, as seen in the involvement of multiple powers in the Syrian and Ukrainian conflicts [3] [5].
• Humanitarian Costs: Proxy wars often result in devastating humanitarian consequences, including civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure [3].
• Deterrence Failures: The use of proxies can complicate deterrence efforts and increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation [3].
• Moral and Strategic Risks: Supporting proxies can lead to the emergence of undesirable regimes, the spread of weapons, and the loss of influence [3].

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