Transcendent Policy

Transcendent Policy

Examining the International Responsibility of Third States in Resolving Crises Arising from Proxy Wars

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohsen Zendehbodi 1
Zeynab Poorkhaghan Shahrezaei 2
Masoud Zamani 3
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Public International Law, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.
2 Department of International Law, Is.C. (Khorasgan), Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3 Department of Law, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
10.22034/sm.2025.2025313.2196
Abstract
West Asia and parts of Africa (Libya, Sudan, and others) have been confronted with conflicts and wars that have emerged as a consequence of external rivalries within the international system. In these regions, war has become an instrument employed by major powers to exert pressure on their international rivals. However, the states in which these wars take place bear irreparable consequences. The intervention of extra-regional powers in West Asia has produced a geopolitical condition characterized by instability and disorder, resulting in the emergence of numerous proxy wars throughout the region. Holding states accountable before the international community, requiring compensation for material and moral damages, and politically isolating those responsible can play a significant role in resolving these crises. The present study seeks to answer the following question: How can international mechanisms be utilized to mitigate crises arising from proxy wars in regions such as the Middle East and Africa? It is argued that, by employing the institutional capacities of the United Nations and the International Law Commission, the international responsibility of third states involved in proxy wars can be determined, thereby contributing to the reduction of the adverse consequences of such conflicts. Furthermore, the existing legal frameworks, which are generally formulated by organs of international organizations and are themselves influenced by major powers, can positively improve the conduct of these states, while Member States of the United Nations may demonstrate their influence by raising issues related to armed conflict within the Organization. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this study demonstrates that, because proxy wars originate from interventions external to the affected regions, reliance on international relations paradigms such as the balance of power merely intensifies confrontation and increases casualties. Accordingly, the most effective approach to reducing crises arising from proxy wars lies in the adoption of preventive legal measures.
Keywords
International Responsibility
Third State
Proxy War
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Transcendent Policy
Volume 13, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 91-108