The Current State of Armed Conflict: A Growing Concern Worldwide

In recent years, the world has witnessed a stark contrast between the numbers of people killed in homicides versus those killed in active armed conflicts and terrorist attacks. According to statistics from 2017, nearly half a million individuals lost their lives due to homicide, significantly surpassing the 89,000 fatalities resulting from armed conflicts and the 19,000 deaths caused by terrorist attacks.

This trend is not limited to a specific region or country. The regionalization of conflict has led to the interlinking of political, socio-economic, and military issues across borders, resulting in longer-lasting, more protracted, and less responsive conflicts. For instance, the Syrian civil war has seen an explosive growth in the number of armed groups involved, increasing from eight to several thousand since its inception.

Furthermore, conflicts are becoming increasingly fragmented, with multiple countries experiencing violent conflict simultaneously. In 2016, a record-breaking number of nations faced this issue, marking the highest figure in almost three decades. The primary drivers of these conflicts include unresolved regional tensions, breakdowns in law and order, absent or co-opted state institutions, illicit economic gain, and resource scarcity exacerbated by climate change.

In contrast to the alarming rise in conflict and violence, global war deaths have been steadily declining since 1946. This trend may provide a glimmer of hope; however, it is crucial to acknowledge that many conflicts today are being waged by non-state actors such as political militias, criminal organizations, and international terrorist groups.

The current state of armed conflict is a pressing concern globally, requiring immediate attention and effective solutions from governments, international organizations, and civil society. It is essential to address the root causes of these conflicts, promote peaceful resolutions, and work towards creating a more secure and stable world for all.

Current state of armed conflict