Global Conflicts Reach New Highs in 2025

JOHANNESBURG — The world is seeing an increase in wars, confirmed by recent data. A study from a Swedish university shows that 2025 had the highest number of interstate conflicts since World War II, and the most fatalities since the Rwandan genocide.

Researchers at the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) at Uppsala University report 65 active conflicts in 2025. This includes an increase to eight direct conflicts between individual states, double the number from the previous year. The conflicts include wars between Russia and Ukraine, Iran and Israel, as well as other regional clashes involving India, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, and more.

We are witnessing a clear increase in conflicts between states. Previously rare, these wars are now pointing to higher international tensions and changes in global security dynamics, said Shawn Davies, a senior analyst at UCDP.

The majority of conflicts remain intrastate, involving government forces against rebel groups within countries.

Most Conflict Deaths Since Rwanda

The number of fatalities in 2025 reached approximately 244,600, an increase from 187,000 in 2024. Therése Pettersson, a senior analyst at UCDP, noted the surge in violence against civilians, especially in Sudan.

The researchers categorize violence into three groups: state-based violence (both internal and interstate wars), non-state violence (conflicts between non-state groups), and one-sided violence (targeting civilians). Out of the 65 conflicts, 13 qualified as wars, defined by more than 1,000 battlefield deaths annually.

Russia-Ukraine: Deadliest War in 2025

The Russia-Ukraine war resulted in 91,700 deaths, with 77,700 Russians and 14,000 Ukrainians killed. Israel-Hamas followed with 14,400 fatalities, while Sudan’s internal conflict accounted for 12,200 deaths, excluding civilian massacres by the RSF.

The escalation of global conflicts since the past decade is associated with shifts in international powers. The U.S., traditionally a stabilizing force, is now reevaluating its global strategies. The study suggests that this has contributed to the rising number of interstate conflicts.

Our data cannot link specific U.S. policies to the rise in conflicts in 2025, said co-author Therése Pettersson.

This noted trend of increased interstate conflicts transcends U.S. political changes and suggests broader shifts in the international order. As of now, 2026 seems poised to continue these concerning global conflict trends.