Proxy wars are different from conventional conflicts because they are not directly acknowledged between two (or more) state or non-state actors.
The current conflict in Syria is a good example of a Proxy War. The local anti-Assad forces would likely describe the conflict as a war of direct engagement with Pro-Assad forces—not a proxy war. However, the United States and Russia have both sent troops and funding to opposing sides of the conflict. By doing so, the two nations are battling each other. While not engaged in direct battle, the troops that each Nation trains and equips are fighting instead.
The primary reason that Proxy Wars are pursued (rather than conventional warfare) is to protect the social, economic, political, military and infrastructure interests within a global community of nations.
Having fought in the Middle East for 15 years, the US cannot risk the full burden of waging war in a new theater. Russia, on the other hand, does not want to draw the ire of the international community by attacking NATO forces directly. However, both Nations, given their history, are interested in trading jabs to learn about how each will respond. This exercise of sparring through proxy wars gives great insight to fighting capabilities and strategies used. As an aside, these wars can, and often do, create revenue and jobs for the Nations that wage them. Reference the military-industrial complex for more information.
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