What term is used to describe conflicts where one superpower uses other states to fight on their behalf, such as the conflict in Afghanistan?

The term that describes conflicts where one superpower uses other states or groups to fight on their behalf is referred to as a proxy war. This type of conflict typically involves indirect engagement, where larger powers support smaller nations or factions in a struggle, providing them with military, financial, or logistical support without direct involvement in combat.

The conflict in Afghanistan during the Cold War is a historical example where the Soviet Union supported the Afghan government against a variety of insurgent groups, some of which received backing from the United States and other nations. This arrangement exemplified how superpowers used local forces to further their political and strategic aims without committing their own troops extensively.

In contrast, civil wars occur within a single country and involve factions fighting for control or influence, which does not align with the external influence characteristic of proxy wars. The Cold War itself refers to the overarching geopolitical tension between superpowers and is not used to specify the nature of individual conflicts. World Wars involve large global conflicts between multiple nations and are not defined by proxy dynamics. Thus, the correct choice aptly captures the essence of the question regarding indirect conflicts influenced by superpower interests.