A state can become a proxy battleground between rival great powers

Evidence

At some future time the Middle East may again be threatened by a new domination from outside; perhaps by a resurgent Russia, perhaps by a superpower China. Indeed, if the various governments and peoples of the Middle East continue in their present self-destructive way, the neighboring greater powers may be drawn, even without deliberate purpose, into the politics of the region. — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 1680 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Russia, Japan, and India act as swing states between West and challengers.; A proxy’s military success can harm the patron state’s diplomatic interests — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 821; Superpowers wage wars abroad through proxies rather than their own troops — Anthony Giddens, The Consequences of Modernity, 187 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Great powers can be drawn into regional conflict even without deliberate intent. #complicates (0.75) — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 1680