
Revolution in Military Affairs
Making Sense of Proxy War with Natalia Tellidou
Jan 27, 2025
Natalia Tellidou, an independent researcher from Germany specializing in proxy wars, dives deep into the complexities of modern conflicts. She discusses the evolution of proxy wars from secretive tactics to overt strategies, particularly in the Syrian civil war. Natalia categorizes proxy relationships and highlights their dynamic nature, exploring how interests shape alliances. She also reflects on her research journey, shedding light on the implications of transparency for future warfare. It's an enlightening take on the shifting landscape of international conflict.
29:47
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Quick takeaways
- The evolution of proxy wars post-Cold War highlights the shift from indirect support to direct military interventions by sponsoring states.
- A broader understanding of proxy warfare acknowledges the agency of proxy actors, who may prioritize their own interests over their sponsors' intentions.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Proxy Warfare
Proxy wars have evolved significantly, particularly in the post-Cold War era. The podcast discusses three main periods of proxy warfare: pre-Cold War, during the Cold War, and the post-Cold War period characterized by the global war on terrorism. Each period is marked by distinct strategies and state motivations, with a focus on how external state support has increased in modern civil wars, particularly post-2012. Notably, the concept of plausible deniability is being challenged due to advancements in technology that make it harder for states to conceal their involvement in proxy conflicts.
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