Superpower involvement paradoxically contained the regional conflict’s danger

Evidence

Nor is it the most dangerous. It appeared so at one time when rival super­ powers were involved, but it was precisely that involvement that made it less dangerous, in that the superpowers were able to exercise some restraint and, thanks to them, the dangers were known, measured, assessed and managed. The limits were set; it was dangerous and destructive to the participants as are all such conflicts, but it had long ceased to be dangerous to anyone else. — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 1597

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: External great-power pressure pushed South Africa toward negotiated compromise — Charles Tilly, Regimes and Repertoires, 586