Border clashes are occurring across the globe.
Source: AFP
This year, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the UK reported at least 183 regional conflicts worldwide, according to Sarbaz.kz. It marks the highest number in 30 years.
Researchers assess the high risk of conflict between China and Taiwan, as well as the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. They note that border clashes are happening globally.
They also highlight several "hot spots" where ongoing or potential conflicts persist. These include the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Tensions persist between Russia and Georgia, Algeria and Morocco, and the situation in Pakistan has reached a "dangerous mark," where internal terrorism escalates along with relations with India.
The casualty count has risen by 14% from last year, and instances of violence have increased by 28%. According to the International Red Cross, there are 459 armed groups operating globally, exerting local or regional dominance. These groups wholly or partially control 195 million people.
One might assume there is an organization capable of influencing the course of many conflicts. However, the influence of the UN has weakened due to contradictions between states within the organization. Major powers, vetoing each other's resolutions, fail to reach a consensus on many issues, including the resolution of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.