If you have any doubts that the US Government has either instigated or been involved in multiple proxy wars around the planet, below is a list of such conflicts. First, a definition of a ‘proxy war’.
Definition
A proxy war refers to a conflict where two or more external powers support opposing sides, often through the provision of military assistance, funding, and other forms of support, while avoiding direct engagement in combat themselves. In a proxy war, the primary adversaries involved are not the external powers themselves but rather the local or regional forces they support. These external powers use proxy warfare as a means to advance their own interests, exert influence, or pursue their strategic objectives without risking direct confrontation or escalation into a full-scale war between the major powers.
Proxy wars typically occur when there are underlying political, ideological, or geopolitical rivalries between the external powers involved, and the conflict takes place in a third-party country or region. The proxy forces receive support, such as weapons, training, and financial aid, from their respective external backers, who may also provide advisory or intelligence assistance. The conflict is fought on the behalf of these external powers, with the local or regional forces acting as proxies for their interests.
Proxy wars can be complex and protracted, often involving multiple factions and shifting alliances, as well as the potential for unintended consequences and regional destabilization. The motivations for involvement in proxy wars can vary, including securing access to resources, maintaining influence, countering rival powers, or advancing ideological objectives.
The partial list
The exact number of proxy wars involving the United States is unknown, as the classification of proxy wars can vary but here is a list of notables…
- Korean War (1950-1953):
The United States supported South Korea against North Korea, which was backed by the Soviet Union and China. - Vietnam War (1955-1975):
The United States supported South Vietnam against the communist forces of North Vietnam, which received support from the Soviet Union and China. - Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989):
The United States provided support to Afghan rebel groups (Mujahideen) fighting against Soviet forces that had invaded Afghanistan. - Angolan Civil War (1975-2002):
The United States backed the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), while the Soviet Union supported the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). - Nicaraguan Civil War (1981-1990):
The United States supported the Contras, a rebel group fighting against the socialist Sandinista government, which was backed by the Soviet Union and Cuba. - Afghan Civil War (ongoing since 1978):
The United States has been involved in various capacities in the conflict between the Afghan government, supported by international forces including the U.S., and different insurgent groups such as the Taliban. - Bay of Pigs invasion (1961):
The United States supported an unsuccessful attempt by Cuban exiles to overthrow the communist government of Fidel Castro. - Salvadoran Civil War (1979-1992):
The United States provided military and economic aid to the government of El Salvador, which was fighting against leftist guerrilla groups. - Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990): The United States supported various factions in Lebanon, including the Christian militias, against leftist and Palestinian groups. The conflict involved multiple external powers supporting different sides.
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988):
The United States provided support to Iraq in its war against Iran, including intelligence, military equipment, and economic aid. - First Congo War (1996-1997):
The United States supported rebel groups, primarily through its ally Rwanda, in the conflict against the government of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). - Syrian Civil War (2011-present):
The United States has been involved in supporting rebel groups and providing assistance to opposition forces fighting against the Syrian government, which has received support from Russia and Iran. - Greek Civil War (1946-1949):
The United States supported the Greek government in its fight against communist guerrilla forces. - Laotian Civil War (1953-1975):
The United States supported the Royal Lao Government against communist Pathet Lao forces, with the conflict being part of the broader Vietnam War. - Ethiopian Civil War (1974-1991):
The United States supported the Ethiopian government against various rebel groups, including the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). - Afghan-Soviet Proxy War (1979-1989):
In addition to supporting the Afghan mujahideen against Soviet forces, the United States also worked with other countries, such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, to provide assistance to the rebels. - Yemeni Civil War (2015-present):
The United States has supported the Saudi-led coalition, which includes the Yemeni government, against the Houthi rebels who are backed by Iran. - Libyan Civil War (2011):
The United States, along with NATO allies, supported various rebel groups in their fight against the government of Muammar Gaddafi. - Bangladesh Liberation War (1971):
The United States supported Pakistan during its conflict with Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), while India provided support to the Bangladesh Liberation Army. - Mozambican Civil War (1977-1992):
The United States supported the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), a rebel group fighting against the socialist government of Mozambique, which was supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba. - Guatemalan Civil War (1960-1996):
The United States provided military aid and support to the Guatemalan government in its fight against left-wing guerrilla groups. - Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995):
The United States supported Croatia against the Yugoslav People’s Army and Serbian paramilitary forces during the breakup of Yugoslavia. - Bosnian War (1992-1995):
The United States, along with NATO allies, supported Bosnian Croat and Bosniak forces against Bosnian Serb forces during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. - South Sudanese Civil War (2013-present):
The United States has been involved in providing support to the government of South Sudan against various rebel groups, as well as humanitarian assistance. - Hungarian Revolution (1956):
During the Hungarian Uprising against Soviet rule, the United States provided limited support to the Hungarian rebels, including radio broadcasts and propaganda assistance. - Polish Solidarity Movement (1980-1989):
The United States provided support to the trade union movement, Solidarity, in Poland, which was challenging the communist government’s authority. - Kosovo War (1998-1999):
The United States, along with NATO allies, intervened in the conflict between Kosovo Albanian separatists and the Serbian government. The NATO intervention aimed to protect civilians and halt the ethnic cleansing campaign conducted by Serbian forces. - Ukrainian Crisis (2014-present):
The United States has been involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the aftermath of Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The U.S. has provided military assistance and economic support to the Ukrainian government in its fight against Russian forces in Ukraine.
List compiled by ChatGPT.
NATO Involvement in conflicts
NATO involvement can be considered a form of American involvement in proxy wars, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance composed of North American and European member states, with the United States being the largest and most influential member.
When NATO as an organization becomes involved in a conflict, it often means that the United States, as a leading member of NATO, plays a significant role in the decision-making process and contributes military assets and resources. This can include providing troops, logistical support, intelligence, and other forms of assistance to allied forces engaged in the conflict.
In instances where NATO allies collectively decide to intervene in a proxy war, such as the Kosovo War in 1999, the Afghanistan conflict following the 9/11 attacks, or the Libyan intervention in 2011, the United States typically plays a prominent role within the alliance due to its military capabilities and resources. Consequently, such NATO interventions can be seen as a form of American involvement in the proxy wars.