Proxy States
Proxy states are countries or groups that are supported by a more powerful state to advance its interests, often in conflicts or geopolitical struggles. In the Muslim world, proxy relationships have been prominent in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
Examples of Proxy States Supported by Muslim-Majority States:
- Iran:
- Hezbollah (Lebanon): A Shia Islamist political and militant group supported by Iran to counter Israeli and Western influence in the region.
- Houthi Rebels (Yemen): Supported by Iran in the Yemeni Civil War to counter Saudi Arabia and its allies.
- Syrian Government: Iran has provided military and financial support to the Assad regime during the Syrian Civil War.
- Saudi Arabia:
- Yemeni Government: Saudi Arabia supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen against the Houthi rebels.
- Syrian Opposition Groups: Saudi Arabia has backed various Sunni opposition groups in the Syrian Civil War to counter Iranian influence.
- Turkey:
- Free Syrian Army (FSA): Turkey has supported Syrian opposition groups, including the FSA, in the Syrian Civil War.
- Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA): Turkey provided military support to the GNA during the Libyan Civil War.
- Pakistan:
- Taliban (Afghanistan): Pakistan has been accused of supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan to counter Indian influence and secure its western border.
- Qatar:
- Muslim Brotherhood: Qatar has supported Islamist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, in various countries during the Arab Spring.
Satellite States
Satellite states are countries that are formally independent but heavily influenced or controlled by a more powerful state. In the Muslim world, satellite states have been more common during the Cold War, when superpowers like the Soviet Union and the United States vied for influence.
Examples of Satellite States Associated with Muslim-Majority States:
- Soviet Union and Muslim-Majority States:
- Afghanistan (1978–1992): After the Saur Revolution, Afghanistan became a Soviet satellite state until the Soviet withdrawal in 1989.
- Central Asian Republics: During the Soviet era, countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan were satellite states of the USSR. After the Soviet collapse in 1991, they gained independence but retained close ties with Russia.
- Iran:
- Iraq (Potential Influence): After the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, Iran has exerted significant influence over Shia political groups and militias in Iraq, though Iraq is not a full satellite state.
- Turkey:
- Northern Cyprus: Turkey supports the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey), which functions as a de facto satellite state.
- Saudi Arabia:
- Bahrain: Saudi Arabia has significant influence over Bahrain, particularly through economic and military support, especially during the 2011 Arab Spring protests.
Key Differences in the Muslim World
- Proxy States: Often involve non-state actors (e.g., militias, rebel groups) or governments engaged in conflicts, with support from Muslim-majority states like Iran, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey.
- Satellite States: Typically involve formal states that are heavily influenced by a more powerful Muslim-majority state or external powers (e.g., Soviet Union during the Cold War).
