The Civil War between Angolan factions later evolved into a proxy war between the United States and the USSR. It was one of the few armed conflicts between both superpowers during the period of Cold War. Several African nations supported the UNITA due to ethnic reasons. The Civil War was greatly intensified by the ongoing Cold War, and clashes between both parties became more prominent due to the backing of superpowers USSR and the United States.
It was one of the most prominent armed conflicts during the period of Cold War, and the outcome can be said to have influence future developments of the Cold War. The war also gives brief insights into American foreign policy. Besides getting involved due to rivalry with the Soviet Union, the US also took the chance to exploit and commercialize Angolan oil reserves in Cabinda. Years after a ceasefire, the US had firmly established Angola as their third largest trading partner in Africa.
The war itself involves several African nations, and also the USA and USSR. It serves as a theatre of ideological conflict for both superpowers, but the involvement of African nations could not be ignored. Volatile politics made external influence more likely, and as USA and USSR sought to extend their sphere of influence into Africa, several African nations became embroiled in an ideological conflict. There were divisions among African support for the USA and USSR, with some nations supporting the UNITA because of ethnic reasons, while some nations were pro-communist. African international relations have no doubt been affected by the Cold War. African nations that became pro-communist became closer to the USSR while UNITA supporters received American aid after the Cold War.