Proxy Wars

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What is a Proxy War?

Proxy Wars

The Cold War was often fought between the superpowers of the United States and the Soviet Union in something called a proxy war. These were wars fought between other countries, but with each side getting support from a different superpower. Examples of proxy wars include the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Yom Kippur War, and the Soviet Afghanistan War.

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Cold war and Proxy war overview:

The United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) did not go to war with each other between 1945 and 1991. Instead, both superpowers wielded global power and influence by manipulating smaller nations. They did this in many ways – through diplomacy, treaties and alliances, by providing aid or trade deals and by supplying arms, military equipment and training. Both superpowers were also involved in numerous coups and proxy wars. During the Cold War, several democratically elected leaders were replaced with puppet governments, military juntas or dictators.

What are Proxy wars?

A proxy war is a war instigated by a major power which does not itself become involved

Who was involved in Proxy wars?

The Cold War is now known for a number of proxy wars in which both the Soviet Union and the United States would support one side or the other in conflicts around the world. The Korean War (between North Korea and South Korea), Vietnam War and many others occurred because of it.

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Cold War Proxy Wars:

1945-1949:

Chinese Civil War

1973:

Chile military junta

1973-1989:

Middle East conflict

1977-1978:

Ethiopia

1978-1992:

Soviet occupation of Afghanistan

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Why did Proxy wars happen?

Motivated by fears that a conventional war between the US and the USSR would result in a nuclear holocaust

Proxy wars were considered 'safer'

The Soviet government found that proxy wars were a more cost-effective method that direct military engagement