Veritatis Gaudium: Multidisciplinary Journal of Postgraduate Studies

This study examines the role of Proxy warfare, which has become an important feature of the 21st century; it allows external states to pursue strategic aims while avoiding direct military confrontation. The aim of the paper is to examine the advantages and disadvantages of proxy war through a case study of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The paper draws on textbooks, journals, and online sources and analyzes them using a narrative-analytic method to assess the military, economic, humanitarian, and diplomatic dimensions. Neorealism theory was used in the understanding of the dynamics and impacts of proxy interference in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The findings show that for sponsoring states, proxy war offers strategic gains. However, the cons are substantial: prolonged civilian suffering, mass displacement, infrastructure destruction, economic instability, and the risk of regional escalation. The paper argues that while proxy war may serve state interests in the short term, its long-term consequences undermine stability and sovereignty. The study concludes that policy recommendations for managing proxy conflicts will limit humanitarian costs in future geopolitical rivalries.

Open Full Text (PDF)