Proxy war facts for kids
A proxy war is a special kind of war where two main countries don't fight each other directly. Instead, they support other groups or smaller countries to do the fighting for them. It's like playing a video game where you control a character, but the real players are the ones behind the scenes.
Countries might use less powerful states as their proxies. They also often use groups that aren't official governments, like mercenaries (soldiers who fight for money) or other armed groups. The main goal is to hurt an opponent without starting a huge, direct war between the powerful nations themselves.
A famous example is the Cold War (1947–1991). During this time, the United States and the Soviet Union (a large country that no longer exists) used proxy wars all over the world. They wanted to increase their own power and reduce the other's influence without ever firing a shot directly at each other.
Contents
What is a Proxy War?
A proxy war happens when powerful countries want to compete or fight, but they don't want to risk a direct, full-scale war. A direct war between two big powers could be very destructive. So, they find other groups or smaller nations to fight on their behalf. These "proxies" act like stand-ins for the main powers.
Who Fights Proxy Wars?
The groups involved in proxy wars can be different types:
- Smaller Countries: Sometimes, a powerful country will support a smaller nation with money, weapons, or training. This smaller nation then fights another country or group that the powerful country sees as an enemy.
- Non-State Groups: These are groups that are not official governments. They might be rebel groups, armed movements, or even private military companies (mercenaries). The powerful country provides them with what they need to fight.
- Rebel Groups: A powerful country might support rebels trying to overthrow a government it doesn't like. This helps the powerful country achieve its goals without sending its own soldiers.
Why Do Countries Use Proxies?
Countries choose to fight proxy wars for several reasons:
- Avoid Direct Conflict: The biggest reason is to prevent a massive war between major powers. A direct war could lead to huge losses of life and resources, and even nuclear conflict.
- Gain Influence: By supporting one side in a conflict, a powerful country can gain more influence in that region or over that smaller country.
- Test Weapons: Sometimes, proxy wars are used to test new weapons or military strategies in real-world situations.
- Lower Risk: Using proxies means fewer of a country's own soldiers are put in danger. It also means less public attention and less political risk at home.
- Denial: Countries can sometimes deny their involvement in a proxy war, making it harder for others to blame them directly.
Famous Proxy Wars
Proxy wars have happened throughout history, but they became very common during the Cold War.
The Cold War Example
The Cold War was a period of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both countries had different ideas about how the world should be run. Instead of fighting each other directly, they supported different sides in conflicts around the globe.
- Angolan Civil War (1975–2002): The Soviet Union supported one side, while the United States supported the other. Both sent aid, weapons, and advice.
- Nicaraguan Civil War (1979–1990): The United States supported a rebel group known as the Contras against the government of Nicaragua. This was done to stop the spread of communism in Central America.
- Afghan-Soviet War (1979–1989): The United States secretly supported Afghan fighters against the Soviet Union, which had invaded Afghanistan. This was a major proxy conflict that helped weaken the Soviet Union.
Modern Proxy Conflicts
Proxy wars continue to happen today. For example, the Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict involves these two countries supporting different groups in conflicts across the Middle East, like in Yemen and Syria. They are competing for influence in the region without fighting each other directly.
Images for kids
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Cuban and Soviet military advisers planning operations during the Angolan Civil War (1975–2002), a proxy conflict involving the USSR and United States
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A member of the U.S.–backed Southern Front prepares to launch a BGM-71 TOW at a Syrian Army position in southern Syria, December 2014
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Major Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict locations
See also
In Spanish: Guerra subsidiaria para niños
