Conflicts on rise globally, highest level since WWII, data shows
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- A study by Uppsala University found that 2025 saw the highest number of interstate conflicts since World War II, with 65 active conflicts worldwide and eight direct wars between states, including Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel.
- Fatalities from conflicts in 2025 reached approximately 244,600, the highest since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with a significant rise in violence against civilians, especially in Sudan.
- The Russia-Ukraine war was the deadliest conflict, accounting for 62% of battle deaths, followed by the Israel-Hamas war and the Sudanese conflict involving government forces and paramilitary groups.
- Researchers link the increase in conflicts to shifts in the global order, noting the decline of U.S.-led Pax Americana but caution that the rise in wars predates recent U.S. administrations and cannot be attributed to single policies or leaders.
- The trend of growing global conflicts is expected to continue into 2026, indicating a persistently unstable international security environment.