A new study from Uppsala University reports that global conflicts reached a record high in 2025, with 65 active conflicts and 244,600 fatalities. Key facts: Interstate conflicts doubled to eight, the highest since WWII.
The Russia-Ukraine war was the deadliest, with 77,700 Russian deaths. Sudan saw the most civilian violence, with tens of thousands killed.
Researchers link the rise to a shifting global order but caution against blaming any single policy. The trend is expected to continue in 2026.