Proxy Wars: Definition and Characteristics
Proxy wars are a complex phenomenon, and the role of the United States in them is a subject of ongoing debate. Here's an analysis of the US involvement in proxy wars, based on the provided sources and my knowledge:
US Involvement in Proxy Wars
A proxy war is defined as a conflict where major powers avoid direct military confrontation and instead support local factions to advance their interests.[1] These conflicts often occur in developing regions with ties to wealthier, more powerful states.[2] The external state (the "principal") sponsors actors to influence the outcome of a violent conflict for its own strategic purposes, avoiding direct action while supporting clients on the ground.[3]
Examples of US Proxy Wars
The United States has a long history of involvement in proxy wars, particularly during the Cold War.[4] The US and the Soviet Union never directly clashed, but they fueled several lengthy and brutal conflicts around the world, providing political, financial, and military support to friendly governments.[4] The US often backed those promoting democracy and capitalism.[4]
US Strategy and Doctrine
- Korean War: The US joined in a conventional war against North Korea, a Soviet client state, to defend South Korea, a US ally.[5]
- Vietnam War: The US became ensnared in a hybrid war against North Vietnam, a Soviet client state, and the Viet Cong, a proxy guerrilla force.[5]
- Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada): The US intervened militarily to overthrow a Soviet client state.[5]
- Syrian Conflict: The US has backed various opposition groups seeking to overthrow the Syrian government.[2]
- Yemen Conflict: The US has backed the Saudi-led coalition intervening to restore the internationally recognized government.[2]
- Ukraine: The US is supplying arms to the Ukrainians to repel and degrade the Russian military.[6]
- Gaza: The US is supplying arms to Israel so it can dismantle Hamas (an Iranian proxy).[6]
Challenges for the US
US national strategic documents recognize the reemergence of great-power competition, but they pay little attention to the salience of lethal proxy forces armed by a competing power.[7] The US should rethink its force design and its ability to confront proxy forces working on behalf of major rivals.[7]
Conclusion
American administrations have unique challenges in prosecuting proxy wars, as they must justify to the voting public not only the strategic value but also the moral imperative of engaging in such a conflict.[6] The US must better shape the public narrative when engaging in proxy conflicts, especially in online contexts, as it often cedes the argument to voices from its rivals.[6]
The United States is involved in proxy wars all over the world. The US has a long history of involvement in proxy wars, particularly during the Cold War. The US is currently engaged in multiple proxy wars, including supplying arms to the Ukrainians to repel and degrade the Russian military, and supplying arms to Israel so it can dismantle Hamas.
Authoritative Sources
- What Are Proxy Wars and Where Are They Happening? [FairPlanet]↩
- What Are Proxy Wars and Where Are They Happening? [FairPlanet]↩
- The Return of Great-Power Proxy Wars [War on the Rocks]↩
- Eight “Hot Wars” During the Cold War [Council on Foreign Relations]↩
- 21st-Century Proxy Wars [USNI]↩
- Hoover Military Experts Chart History of Proxy Wars, from Ancient Greece to Ukraine and Gaza [Hoover Institution]↩
- The Return of Great-Power Proxy Wars [War on the Rocks]↩
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