Surrogate Warfare in the Era of Great Power Competition

Explores the concept of surrogate warfare by examining US and Russian use of surrogates in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

Redefining surrogate warfare, where states outsource conflict to non-state actors, Leontine von Felbert provides a structured framework to analyse and categorise their use. Examining how and why the US and Russia rely on surrogates in their ongoing competition, focusing on the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, and exploring the key traits of surrogates and the conditions that most contribute to strategic success in great power rivalries. Introducing a network-based approach, this book demonstrates how effective management and coordination of surrogates are crucial for control and influence.

In highlighting how forming surrogate relationships can be a strategic goal in itself, this book shows how success in surrogate warfare can depend on aligning goals across the network, fostering long-term partnerships, selecting the right surrogates, and adapting support based on their needs.