The People Caught in the Middle of Rising Global Conflicts

The number of conflicts between states has increased sharply over the past decade, reaching the highest level since World War II.
There were 65 active conflicts in 2025, resulting in approximately 244,600 fatalities.
The Russia-Ukraine war was the deadliest interstate conflict, accounting for 62% of all battle-related deaths.
The Israel-Hamas war was the second-deadliest conflict, with 14,400 fatalities.
The rise in conflicts globally is a trend that's likely to continue in 2026.

Amira, a 28-year-old refugee, stands at the edge of a crowded displacement camp in Gaza, her eyes fixed on the horizon as she wonders what the future holds for her and her family. The sound of gunfire and explosions has become a constant reminder of the war that has been raging on for years. As she navigates the challenges of living in a war-torn region, Amira's story embodies the larger issue of rising global conflicts. The data is clear: the number of conflicts between states has increased sharply over the past decade, reaching the highest level since World War II.

The Full Story / Background & Context

A new study by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden reveals that there were 65 active conflicts in 2025, resulting in approximately 244,600 fatalities. The number of direct conflicts between individual states doubled from the previous year to eight in 2025, the highest number of such conflicts since the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) began collecting data in 1946. The conflicts included the wars between Russia and Ukraine and between Iran and Israel, as well as conflicts between India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia, and Israel's conflicts in Syria and Yemen.

Historical Precedent / Has This Happened Before?

The rise in conflicts globally is not a new phenomenon, but the current trend is particularly alarming. The number of interstate conflicts has increased sharply over the past decade, reaching the highest level since World War II. The UCDP data shows that the number of fatalities has also increased, with approximately 244,600 people killed in conflict in 2025, the highest number since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

"We are seeing a clear increase in conflicts between states. For a long time, interstate wars were relatively rare, but developments in recent years point to growing international tensions and a changing global security order," said Shawn Davies, a senior analyst at UCDP.

Real-World Impact

The impact of rising global conflicts is felt by people like Amira, who are forced to flee their homes and live in displacement camps. The conflicts also have a significant impact on the global economy, with the cost of war estimated to be in the trillions of dollars. The rise in conflicts also leads to a increase in refugee crises, with millions of people forced to flee their homes and seek safety in other countries.

Expert Analysis & Scenarios / What Comes Next

The researchers warn that 2026 is unlikely to be any more peaceful than 2025, with the trend of rising conflicts likely to continue. The data shows that the number of conflicts between states is increasing, and the number of fatalities is also on the rise. The experts point to a shift in the international order, with the United States turning against the world order it built, as expressed in its 2025 National Security Strategy.

"The extremely high number of conflicts and wars recorded in 2025, particularly the record number of interstate conflicts lends credence to the growing number of voices arguing that we are witnessing the end of Pax Americana and the liberal world order," said Therése Pettersson, senior analyst and project manager at UCDP.

What This Means For You

The rise in global conflicts has significant implications for individuals, communities, and nations. It's essential to understand the root causes of these conflicts and the impact they have on people's lives. As the trend of rising conflicts continues, it's crucial to support organizations that work towards peace and conflict resolution. You can make a difference by staying informed, raising awareness, and supporting initiatives that promote peace and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current number of conflicts between states?

According to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, there were 65 active conflicts in 2025, with eight of them being direct conflicts between individual states.

What is the number of fatalities in conflicts in 2025?

The number of fatalities in conflicts in 2025 was approximately 244,600, the highest number since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

What are the main causes of the rise in global conflicts?

The researchers point to a shift in the international order, with the United States turning against the world order it built, as expressed in its 2025 National Security Strategy.

How can I make a difference in promoting peace and conflict resolution?

You can make a difference by staying informed, raising awareness, and supporting initiatives that promote peace and understanding.

What is the impact of rising global conflicts on the global economy?

The impact of rising global conflicts on the global economy is significant, with the cost of war estimated to be in the trillions of dollars.

As the trend of rising global conflicts continues, it's essential to remember the human face of these conflicts. People like Amira, who are forced to flee their homes and live in displacement camps, are the ones who suffer the most. It's crucial to support organizations that work towards peace and conflict resolution and to raise awareness about the impact of these conflicts on people's lives. The future of global peace and security depends on our ability to understand and address the root causes of these conflicts.

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