This is an interesting question, and begs discussion of the term `rivals'. If by rivals one means the USA and the Soviet Union only, then an examination of the Korean War reveals how no, in most respects, Korea was not a proxy war where a showdown between the superpowers took place. However, in respect to the greater picture and using communism and democracy with reference to the Cold War rivals, there is much evidence to support the statement that the Korean War was, in fact, a proxy war for these two opposing ideologies, as well as a proxy tool for America to project its commitment to its polices and even a proxy tool of personal ambition, exhibited by a certain Douglas MacArthur.

A vital piece of information to bear in mind while discussing the task is Stalin's consistent reluctance to provoke a wider conflict. His initial rebuttals of...