Proxy War

Definition

A conflict where two powerful rivals fight through smaller nations or groups instead of directly confronting each other. Cowardly war for the nuclear age.

Example Usage

The Cold War generated multiple proxy wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

Origin

Modern terminology describing conflicts fought on behalf of external powers

Fun Fact

The Soviet Union and U.S. fought over a dozen proxy wars without ever directly engaging militarily

Source: International conflict terminology

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