ABSTRACTStates seek avenues of international conflict to satisfy domestic and foreign policy aims within an anarchic world system. The methods of conflict have changed from century to century to encompass different methods of attaining state objectives. Today there exists a lacuna in terms of international contestation in less traditional avenues of state conflict, such as sports competitions and technological development. Extant theories on international relations have broadened their scope to include arms races, economic sanctions, cyber conflict, and other ‘new’ methods of interstate conflict. This study adds to current literature and theoretical trends by shaping a theory on surrogate war that examines state conflict manifested through international contest. While the possible applications are quite broad, this study offers plausibility probes in international sports policy and space policy to demonstrate the application and versatility of surrogate war.