The world experienced more state-based conflicts in 2025 than at any time since the end of World War II, according to a new Norwegian study. Researchers also reported a dramatic rise in attacks against civilians, making last year one of the deadliest in decades.
The annual Conflict Trends report by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) found that 65 state-based conflicts were recorded worldwide in 2025, the highest number since records began in 1946.
The study also identified eight conflicts between states, double the number recorded a year earlier and the highest level in eight decades. These included clashes involving India and Pakistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, as well as Russia's war in Ukraine and Israeli military operations in Syria.
Researchers described the findings as alarming and unprecedented in recent history.
Civilian deaths surge
