2025 records highest number of state-involved conflicts since World War II

The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) annual 'Conflict Trends' report states that 2025 saw 65 state-involved conflicts, the highest figure since 1946. Inter-state conflicts doubled to eight, reaching an 80-year record. Reported tensions include India-Pakistan, Afghanistan-Pakistan, Cambodia-Thailand, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Israeli military operations in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Approximately 245,000 deaths were linked to conflicts or political violence, marking the third deadliest year since the end of the Cold War. Targeted attacks against civilians reached 76,500 fatalities, a significant rise from 14,200 in 2024. This spike is attributed primarily to the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Researcher Siri Aas Rustad described the figures as shocking, noting a distinct lack of positive trends in global stability.