Global Conflict Report 2025: A World at War

The number of active state-based conflicts in 2025 reached 65, the highest recorded since 1946. Interstate conflicts doubled to eight, also a post-World War II record.

The Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) and the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) have released their annual report, painting a stark picture of global violence. Total battle-related fatalities were approximately 244,600 to 245,000, making 2025 the third-deadliest year since the Cold War, following only 1994 and 2021.

Key Figures at a Glance

• Total conflicts: 65 active state-based conflicts, including 8 interstate and 57 intrastate conflicts.
• Fatalities: Up from approximately 187,000 in 2024. Roughly 76,500 deaths resulted from attacks directly targeting civilians—a sharp increase from 14,200 the previous year.
• Countries involved: 35 countries were engaged in state-based conflicts. Fewer than half had only one conflict.
• Regional distribution: Africa experienced the most state-based conflicts, followed by Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe.

Israel engaged in multiple conflicts simultaneously: Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and with Houthi rebels.

The Deadliest Conflicts of 2025

Interstate Wars

Russia-Ukraine remained the deadliest interstate war, with 77,700 Russian and 14,000 Ukrainian battle deaths.

The Israel-Hamas conflict was the second deadliest state-based conflict, with 14,400 fatalities—a decrease attributed to ceasefires.

Intrastate Wars

Sudan ranked as the third deadliest state-based conflict, with 12,200 deaths. UCDP reported that civilians were disproportionately targeted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan also experienced the highest civilian death toll from one-sided violence, particularly after the capture of El Fasher.

Full List of Interstate Conflicts in 2025

Wars between Russia-Ukraine, Iran-Israel, India-Pakistan, Thailand-Cambodia, Israel-Syria, Israel-Yemen, Afghanistan-Pakistan, and US/UK-Houthis in the Red Sea.

Trends and Context

Conflict complexity has increased dramatically. More actors are involved than ever before, with many countries fighting on multiple fronts simultaneously.

High-intensity conflicts have been ongoing for the past five years without respite—unlike any previous historical period. Deaths from fighting in the last five years exceed those from the entire two decades prior to 2021.

Non-state conflicts numbered 75 in 2025, down from 79 in 2024. A notable drop in lethal violence between Mexican drug cartels was reported.

Analyst Statements

Shawn Davies (UCDP): "We are seeing a clear increase in conflicts between states... developments point to growing international tensions and a changing global security order."

Therése Pettersson (UCDP): "It is not only a story of more conflicts, but also of extremely high levels of lethal violence... a dramatic increase in violence directed against civilians, particularly in Sudan."

Regarding US policy, Pettersson stated: "Our data does not allow us to establish a direct causal link... this trend predates the current US administration."

Methodology & Broader Implications

Data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) categorizes organized violence into three types: state-based conflict, non-state conflict, and one-sided violence against civilians.

Researchers at PRIO and UCDP note a shift in the international order, with the US "turning against the world order it built" as expressed in its 2025 National Security Strategy. The study suggests this may indicate "the end of Pax Americana and the liberal world order."

The trend of rising conflicts is expected to continue into 2026.