Proxy War

A proxy war or proxy warfare is a war that results when opposing powers use third parties as substitutes for fighting each other directly. While powers have sometimes used governments as proxies, violent non-state actors, mercenaries, or other third parties are more often employed. It is hoped that these groups can strike an opponent without leading to full-scale war.

Proxy wars have also been fought alongside full-scale conflicts. It is almost impossible to have a pure proxy war, as the groups fighting for a certain nation usually have their own interests, which can diverge from those of their patron.

Typically proxy wars function best during cold wars, as they become a necessity in conducting armed conflict between at least two belligerents while continuing cold warfare.

Famous quotes containing the word war:

    Our lives laid down in war and peace may not
    Be found acceptable in Heaven’s sight.
    And that they may be is the only prayer
    Worth praying. May my sacrifice
    Be found acceptable in Heaven’s sight.
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)