<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
What is a proxy? How does it works? What do we need it for?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
A proxy is an intermediary server that acts as a gateway between a client and a server. It intercepts and processes requests from the client and forwards them to the server, and then returns the server's response back to the client. Proxies are commonly used for various purposes such as:

1. Anonymity: Proxies can hide the client's IP address and location, making it difficult for the server to identify and track the client's activities. This is useful for privacy and security reasons, such as accessing blocked websites, bypassing internet censorship, or preventing identity theft.
2, Content filtering: Proxies can block or allow access to certain types of content based on predefined rules, such as blocking malicious websites, filtering out ads or adult content, or enforcing corporate policies.
3. Load balancing: Proxies can distribute client requests across multiple servers to optimize performance and availability, by selecting the least busy or fastest server or by using a round-robin or random algorithm.
4. Security: Proxies can inspect and modify the client's requests and server's responses to prevent or detect security threats, such as malware, viruses, or SQL injections. Proxies can also provide SSL encryption, authentication, and access control to secure the communication between the client and server.

There are a few types of proxies, including:
1. HTTP proxies: Used for web traffic and support HTTP/HTTPS protocols.
2. SOCKS proxies: Used for any network protocol and support SOCKS protocol.
3. Transparent proxies: Do not modify requests or responses and are often used for caching.
4. Reverse proxies: Act as a server for the client and a proxy for the server, often used to protect the server from direct access or to provide content delivery services.

Proxies can be configured at the client side or the server side, and can be either public or private. Public proxies are available to anyone and may have limited bandwidth or reliability, while private proxies are owned and controlled by individuals or organizations and can be more secure and reliable but also more expensive.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Sure, sorry about the vague question, I was looking for the definition of proxy in the context of diplomacy. 
Also, I'm a big fan of Sid Meyer's Civilization, Diplomacy and Mass Effect 3, could you provide examples related to these games (if possible!)<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
No problem! In the context of diplomacy, a proxy refers to an intermediary or representative who acts on behalf of another party in negotiations or communications. A proxy can also refer to a situation where one party indirectly supports or influences another party or conflict, often by providing resources, strategic advice, or military aid. This is commonly known as "proxy warfare" or "proxy conflict."

Regarding examples related to the games you mentioned:
1. Sid Meier's Civilization: In the Civilization series, proxy warfare can be observed when a player establishes alliances or supports other civilizations through trade, resources, or military assistance to indirectly weaken a common enemy or to maintain a balance of power.
2. Diplomacy: In the board game Diplomacy, players often use proxy strategies by forming alliances or making deals with other players to influence actions or decisions. For example, two players might agree to support each other's military units in attacking a third player, with one player acting as a proxy to weaken the target.
3. Mass Effect 3: The conflict between the various races in the Mass Effect series can be seen as a form of proxy warfare. In Mass Effect 3, the player can gather war assets to fight against the Reapers. These assets can include alliances with other races or factions, which serve as proxies in the larger conflict.

In these games, proxies are used to exert influence, gather resources, and control territories without direct confrontation or engagement, reflecting the strategic nature of diplomacy and conflict management.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Can you give me real life examples for a proxy in diplomacy?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
In diplomacy, a proxy refers to an intermediary or substitute that acts on behalf of a more powerful entity, often during conflicts or negotiations. Proxies can be countries, groups, or individuals who represent the interests of the more powerful entity. Here are some real-life examples of proxy situations in diplomacy:

Cold War-era proxy wars: During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in several proxy wars, where they supported opposing factions in conflicts around the world. Examples of these proxy wars include the Korean War (1950-1953), the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), and the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002). In these conflicts, the superpowers provided financial, military, and logistical support to their respective proxies, while avoiding direct confrontation with each other.

Iran and Hezbollah: Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization, has long been considered a proxy for Iran. The Iranian government provides financial, military, and political support to Hezbollah, which in turn advances Iran's regional interests and influence in Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni Civil War: Since the beginning of the Yemeni Civil War in 2015, Saudi Arabia has supported the Yemeni government against the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. In this conflict, Saudi Arabia acts as a proxy for the interests of the United States and other Western countries seeking to limit Iranian influence in the region.

Russia and the Syrian Civil War: Russia has been a significant supporter of the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad during the ongoing Syrian Civil War. In this context, the Syrian government can be considered a proxy for Russian interests in the region, as Russia seeks to maintain its influence and military presence in the Middle East.

These examples demonstrate that proxies in diplomacy often involve powerful nations supporting smaller nations or groups to advance their geopolitical interests while avoiding direct confrontation.<|im_end|>