Final answer:
Proxy wars in East Asia during the Cold War were caused by ideological differences between the US and the Soviet Union, resulting in significant consequences for the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proxy wars within East Asia during the Cold War era were a result of the larger conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. The causes of these proxy wars were rooted in the ideological differences between capitalism and communism, with both superpowers seeking to gain influence and control over East Asian countries. For example, in the Korean War, North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, fought against South Korea, supported by the United States. The effects of these proxy wars included significant loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and political division within the region.