Proxy Wars
Definition
Proxy wars are conflicts where third parties fight on behalf of more powerful parties rather than those powers fighting each other directly.
Analogy
Imagine two popular kids at school who don't want to risk their reputations by fighting each other directly. Instead, they get their friends (who care about impressing them) to fight each other on their behalf.
Related terms
Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between powers where direct conflict is avoided but proxy wars often occur. It's like an ongoing feud between rival cliques at school where direct fights are rare but tensions run high.
Neocolonialism: The use of economic, political or cultural pressure by a powerful country to control or influence another country without using direct military force - kind of like how popular kids can manipulate others without resorting to physical bullying.
Puppet State: A state that is supposedly independent but is actually under the control of another country. It's like a student who appears to act independently but is really doing the bidding of a more popular student.
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