Yes, here are some real-life examples of proxies being used in the context of diplomacy:

* The United States and Russia have been using Syria as a proxy battleground to compete for influence in the Middle East. Both countries support different factions in the ongoing civil war, with the US supporting rebel groups and Russia providing military assistance to the government of Bashar al-Assad. This has allowed both powers to project their strength without directly confronting each other.
* In the 1980s, the Soviet Union and the United States supported opposing sides in the Cold War conflict between Afghanistan's communist government and Islamic insurgents known as the mujahideen. By backing these local forces, both superpowers were able to advance their interests and exert influence in the region without direct intervention.
* Iran has long used Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite militant group, as a proxy force in its efforts to expand its influence across the Middle East. Hezbollah has engaged in military operations against Israel and other enemies of Iran, allowing Tehran to wield power through surrogates rather than committing its own troops or resources.
* China has also sought to extend its reach by building relationships with smaller Pacific island nations such as Fiji and Vanuatu. These nations receive financial aid and infrastructure investment from Beijing, which allows China to establish strategic footholds in the region while avoiding direct confrontation with rival powers like the United States.
* During World War II, Germany used Finland and Romania as proxies in its campaign against the Soviet Union. These countries received military aid from Nazi Germany but maintained formal independence, allowing Hitler's regime to expand its sphere of influence without risking its own soldiers or resources.
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