Abstract

This chapter discusses two of the most consequential proxy wars of the Cold War: Nicaragua and Afghanistan. For the United States, these proxy wars were largely fought through covert action. The outcomes of each, however, were polar opposites. The arming of the Contras in Nicaragua was a failure and led to the scandal known as the Iran-Contra Affair. By contrast, the arming of the mujahidin in Afghanistan helped force the Soviets to withdraw in 1989. The chapter discusses both cases and argues that covert action is more likely to be successful when viable partners exist, adequate resources are committed, there is bipartisan political support, it counters a direct threat to national security, and it has a reasonable prospect for success.

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