The best response that explains how the causes and effects of the arms race and proxy wars in the Middle East and Africa were similar is:
The arms race and proxy wars in the Middle East and Africa both sought to increase the U.S.’s and Soviet Union’s regional influence through their military supply, which led to increased violence.
This response captures the essence of both phenomena by noting how they were driven by the desire for influence and power, ultimately resulting in heightened conflict and violence in the regions involved.