There is a stigma around the term ‘proxy’. It invokes a caricature of a puppet master pulling strings. In the context of conflict, it suggests that one party is being forced to fight and die at the direction of a more powerful party. In reality, there are no puppets, only actors with layered motivations and abilities.

Major powers lose their sphere of influence, not due to encroaching adversaries, but to their denial of their neighbor’s autonomy. They overplay their hand, abuse their power, and fail to provide their neighbors with anything worth staying for.

The Georgian Dream strategy in domestic politics became heavily focused on the so-called “war narrative” - the idea that avoiding any type of tension with Russia is crucial to preventing a Ukraine-like scenario.

The shame of Germany and the EU is nowhere to be found when they have the audacity to demand an increased supply of Norwegian gas.