The Cold War proxy conflict most associated with the decline and military exhaustion of the Soviet Union is Afghanistan. Here's why:
1. Afghanistan: The Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 marked a significant turning point in the Cold War. The conflict lasted for almost a decade and became a quagmire for the Soviet Union. The Afghan resistance, supported by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, inflicted heavy casualties on the Soviet forces and drained their resources.
2. Military Exhaustion: The prolonged and costly war in Afghanistan placed a tremendous strain on the Soviet military both in terms of resources and morale. The guerrilla warfare tactics used by the Afghan resistance fighters proved highly effective against the conventional Soviet forces, leading to a prolonged and debilitating conflict.
3. Decline of the Soviet Union: The Soviet Union's involvement in Afghanistan contributed to its decline by exposing weaknesses in its military capabilities, economic strains, and fostering internal dissent. The inability to achieve decisive victory in Afghanistan eroded the perception of Soviet military prowess and drained the Soviet economy.
In conclusion, the Soviet Union's military intervention in Afghanistan during the Cold War stands out as a pivotal conflict that significantly contributed to its decline and military exhaustion.
