Why was the Vietnam War a proxy war?
The Vietnam War can be considered a “proxy” war in the Cold War. Although the Soviet Union and the United States did not directly go to war, they each supported a different side in the war. The Viet Cong were Vietnamese rebels in the South who fought against the Southern Vietnam government and the United States.
What caused the Vietnam War for Dummies?
The causes of the Vietnam War revolve around the simple belief held by America that communism was threatening to expand all over south-east Asia. Neither the Soviet Union nor the United States could risk an all-out war against each other, such was the nuclear military might of both.
Was Vietnam War a mistake?
For many who study foreign affairs, the Vietnam War was a tragic mistake brought about by U.S. leaders who exaggerated the influence of communism and underestimated the power of nationalism. It was a proxy conflict in the Cold War.
What was the primary purpose of a proxy war?
One of the primary examples of why proxy wars are not beneficial is the risk of prolonged conflict. Being involved in a proxy war can include aiding a country by giving them weapons, money, or planning and assessment help. In the short term, proxy wars are seen as a way to avoid direct conflict for a country.
Is the Korean War a proxy war?
The Korean War was a civil conflict that became a proxy war between superpowers clashing over communism and democracy.
Is the Syrian civil war a proxy war?
The ongoing conflict in Syria is widely described as a series of overlapping proxy wars between the regional and world powers, primarily between the US and Russia as well as between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
What is �proxy war?
A proxy war is an armed conflict between two states or non-state actors which act on the instigation or on behalf of other parties that are not directly involved in the hostilities. In order for a conflict to be considered a proxy war, there must be a direct, long-term relationship between external actors and the belligerents involved.
What were the causes of proxy warfare in the Cold War?
During the Cold War, proxy warfare was motivated by fears that a conventional war between the United States and Soviet Union would result in nuclear holocaust, which rendered the use of ideological proxies a safer way of exercising hostilities.
What factors go into planning a proxy war?
For many states, however, factors other than cost and fighting power come into plan. This piece originally appeared on Lawfare, and you can read his piece examining the same issues from the proxy’s perspective here.
How did the MPLA become a proxy war?
President Ford in 1975 began funneling money to UNITA and FNLA, he hoped that he would be able to hide the millions that he was sending from the American people. By the 1980s the war continued to escalate and became a major proxy war of the Cold War. In 1984 the USSR sent more than $2 billion in aid to help the MPLA.