“proxy war” (or “Proxy War”) is a phrase that has come up frequently since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine. Typical of the International Relations universe, the term comes to mind when two countries face each other during a conflict. indirectly, intermediary or substitute through third parties.
In the case of Ukraine, the concept gained ground during worldwide journalistic coverage, based on expert analysis and more recently, when the Russian Foreign Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the type of military aid offered. From the west to Kiev.
We’ve all known for a long time that the war in Ukraine was never exactly about Ukraine. We’ve talked about it here before, including. This happens as a way to counter the interests between rivals in other carnivals: Russia and the United States.
This type of strategy works as a less costly form of opposition than direct warfare, as well as guaranteeing an exit through denial when necessary. As the statement attributed to US President Dwight D. Eisenhower says, proxy wars It is the “world’s cheapest insurance” in the eyes of many leaders.
The problem with using others for your own wars is that it poses a number of risks, from Vietnam to Afghanistan. And in Ukraine it is no different.
Proxy wars are highly sensitive first and foremost because they involve tactical, logistical and control challenges. War sponsors provide weapons, funding, training, and general financial assistance to sustain a player’s combat effort, but make no guarantees about the destinations and use of these entries. It is not always possible to monitor and maintain accountability for resources or how goals will be implemented. In previous cases, the diversion of weapons had created new security risks that did not exist at the outset.
Also, this type of warfare contains great escalation potential, whether deliberate, accidental, miscalculation or miscommunication. In the case of conflict between nuclear powers, this factor cannot be ignored. A direct military conflict between Russia and NATO countries could cause incalculable damage to the international system. Also, from the point of view proxiesHistory shows us that foreign interventions tend to encourage “proper marriages,” which further encourages political fragmentation and thus prolongs conflicts.
Finally, the conduct of wars in such conditions often hinders the progress of negotiations, as the background of the conflict makes the interests irreconcilable and raises suspicion about the mediators presenting them. In such cases, even the first steps of diplomatic dialogue, such as the declaration of a ceasefire or the establishment of a temporary peace agreement, lack legitimacy and trust between the parties.
source: Noticias
