Proxy governments are political entities that are controlled or heavily influenced by external powers, often acting on behalf of those powers' interests. These governments may appear independent but typically rely on support, funding, or military assistance from a foreign nation. This arrangement can lead to a lack of genuine sovereignty and can affect the local population's governance. Such situations often arise in conflict zones or regions with unstable governments, where external powers seek to maintain influence. Examples include the role of the United States in Iraq or Russia in Syria, where local governments operate under the shadow of foreign interests.