Consequences of Proxy Wars

Abstract

This chapter explores three major consequences of modern proxy wars: dependence in the long run between the benefactor and the proxy (politically and financially); an elongation and/or intensification of the original war in which intervention was sought; and the creation of either conflict overspill beyond the initial boundaries of the war or unintended “blowback” for the participants once the war has ended. It then dwells on the post-proxy war consequences facing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration strategies and calls for policymakers and scholars alike to be more vigilant as to the potential long-term implications of initiating short-term proxy wars today.