The world saw the highest number of state-based conflicts in 2023 since 1946, marking it as one of the most violent years since the end of the Cold War. Despite a slight decrease in the number of countries experiencing conflict, the intensity and complexity of these conflicts reached unprecedented levels, said the latest report from the Peace Research Institute Oslo.
RECORD-HIGH CONFLICT NUMBERS
A record 59 state-based conflicts were recorded in 2023, making it the most conflict-ridden year since 1946, said the PRIO’s Conflict Trends: A Global Overview report. This represents a significant increase from previous years and underscores the growing complexity of global conflicts. Although the number of countries involved in conflicts decreased from 39 to 34, the sheer number of conflicts and their intensity has raised concerns among researchers and policymakers.
“Violence in the world is at an all-time high since the end of the Cold War. The figures suggest that the conflict landscape has become increasingly complex, with more conflict actors operating within the same country,” said Siri Aas Rustad, Research Professor at PRIO and lead writer of the PRIO’s Conflict Trends: A Global Overview report.
KEY DRIVERS OF INCREASED VIOLENCE
The increase in state-based conflicts can be partly attributed to the expansion of non-state actors like the Islamic State across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin have also intensified their involvement in conflicts, complicating the efforts of aid groups and civil society organizations to navigate the conflict landscape and provide assistance.
SIGNIFICANT CONFLICTS
Three major conflicts significantly contributed to the dramatic rise in battle deaths over the past three years:
- Civil War in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region
- Russian Invasion of Ukraine
- Bombing of Gaza
In 2023 alone, these conflicts resulted in 122,000 battle deaths, with Ukraine accounting for over 71,000 fatalities and Gaza for around 23,000 in just three months.
AFRICA: THE EPICENTER OF STATE-BASED CONFLICTS
Africa remained the region with the highest number of state-based conflicts, with 28 recorded in 2023. This marks a near doubling of conflicts compared to a decade ago, with the continent experiencing more than 330,000 battle-related deaths in the past three years.
ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Asia followed Africa with 17 conflicts, while the Middle East saw an increase from eight conflicts in 2022 to ten in 2023. The Middle East, which recorded the lowest number of battle-related deaths in 2022 since 2011, saw a significant rise in violence in 2023, primarily driven by the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
EUROPE AND THE AMERICAS
Europe experienced three state-based conflicts, primarily driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Americas recorded just one conflict, indicating relative stability compared to other regions.
THE COMPLEX CONFLICT LANDSCAPE
The PRIO report highlights the increasing complexity of conflicts, with multiple actors operating within the same countries, making it challenging for international actors to intervene and provide effective assistance.
HOPE AND CONCERN
While the reduction in conflicts in some regions, like the Middle East, provides hope that extreme violence in places like Syria may diminish, new highly violent conflicts continue to emerge. This dual trend of decreasing old conflicts and rising new ones presents a complex challenge for global peace efforts.
The findings of the PRIO report paint a stark picture of the global conflict landscape in 2023. With a record number of state-based conflicts and unprecedented levels of violence, the need for comprehensive conflict resolution strategies and effective intervention mechanisms has never been more critical. As the world grapples with these challenges, understanding the underlying causes and dynamics of these conflicts will be essential for fostering long-term peace and stability.
FAQS
What was significant about the conflict trends in 2023?
2023 recorded the highest number of state-based conflicts since 1946, with 59 conflicts. It was one of the most violent years since the end of the Cold War.
Why has the number of conflicts increased?
The rise in conflicts is partly due to the expansion of non-state actors like the Islamic State and other militant groups across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, making conflict landscapes more complex.
Which regions were most affected by state-based conflicts in 2023?
Africa had the highest number of conflicts (28), followed by Asia (17), the Middle East (10), Europe (3), and the Americas (1).
What were the major conflicts contributing to the rise in battle deaths?
The civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the bombing of Gaza were the primary drivers of the dramatic increase in battle deaths in 2023.
What can be done to address the rising number of conflicts?
Comprehensive conflict resolution strategies, effective intervention mechanisms, and increased awareness and understanding of the underlying causes and dynamics of conflicts are essential for fostering long-term peace and stability.
