ABSTRACT
This chapter examines proxy wars in the post-Soviet space, taking stock of several proxy conflicts that emerged since the fall of the Soviet Union, including state-supported mercenaries and other subcontractors in the South Caucasus and Ukraine. Proxy conflicts in the post-Soviet space exhibit trends that have been identified in other cases as well: the author finds, first, that the nature and relationship of sponsor-proxy relationships is fluid and dynamic. Sponsors can adjust control when necessary, while proxies can enhance their power. Second, there is a broad range in the type and motivations of proxies – while ideology matters, it is often enmeshed with other drivers, including organized crime and personal loyalty.
