War in the modern world is changing. Since the end of the Cold War inter-state war has declined globally, whilst even civil wars have become less common. Instead, a new form of conflict has emerged - the proxy war. This report and atlas of proxy wars sets the stage for deeper understanding of 21st century conflict.
Proxy wars differ from traditional wars in a number of key ways. In a traditional war, two or more sovereign states engage in armed conflict with each other. The goals of each side are clear, and the combatants are usually easily identifiable. However, in a proxy war, the conflict is between two or more external powers who use third parties as their proxies to fight on their behalf. This can make it difficult to determine the true motivations behind the conflict and can lead to increased levels of violence and instability.
One of the main reasons why proxy wars have become more common in recent years is the changing nature of global politics. With the rise of superpowers like the United States, Russia, and China, there are more opportunities for these countries to exert their influence on smaller, weaker states by supporting proxy forces. This allows them to achieve their strategic objectives without directly engaging in open warfare, which can be costly and politically risky.
Another key difference between traditional wars and proxy wars is the level of deniability that is afforded to the sponsoring states. In a traditional war, the combatants are usually easily identifiable and it is clear who is responsible for the conflict. However, in a proxy war, the sponsoring states can distance themselves from the conflict and deny any involvement in the fighting. This allows them to avoid the negative consequences of direct military intervention while still achieving their objectives.
Proxy wars also differ from traditional wars in terms of the strategies and tactics that are employed. In a traditional war, the combatants usually engage in direct, large-scale military operations with the goal of defeating the enemy's armed forces and capturing territory. However, in a proxy war, the focus is often on supporting and arming proxy forces to destabilize the enemy and achieve strategic objectives through unconventional means. This can include tactics such as guerrilla warfare, insurgency, and terrorism.
One of the main challenges of proxy wars is the impact that they can have on the civilian population. Because proxy wars are often fought in third-party countries, innocent civilians are often caught in the crossfire and are subjected to violence, displacement, and human rights abuses. This can lead to widespread suffering and humanitarian crises, with long-lasting consequences for the affected populations.
In recent years, the international community has become increasingly concerned about the proliferation of proxy wars and their impact on global security. The United Nations, regional organizations, and individual countries have taken steps to address the root causes of proxy wars and to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, mediation, and conflict prevention. However, the complex nature of proxy wars and the interests of the sponsoring states make them difficult to resolve and prevent.
In conclusion, proxy wars represent a new form of conflict that differs from traditional wars in terms of strategy, execution, and impact. As the global political landscape continues to evolve, it is important for policymakers, academics, and the general public to understand the dynamics of proxy wars and their implications for peace and security. By studying and analyzing proxy wars, we can work towards preventing and resolving conflicts in the 21st century.
