Global Civil Wars in 2025: A World in Turmoil as Multiple Conflicts Reshape Nations

The Growing Impact of Civil Wars in 2025

As we enter 2025, the world faces an unprecedented number of intractable conflicts, with conflict event rates growing by over 25% compared to 2023. International and state violence represent an increasing share of overall conflict rates.

Sudan: The World’s Most Devastating Crisis

The Sudanese Civil War, now in its third year, represents the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. While official death tolls remain uncertain, late-2024 estimates suggested 150,000 civilian deaths, with total casualties certainly much higher by mid-2025.

The scale of displacement is staggering, with 12 million Sudanese – over a third of the pre-war population – forced from their homes. More than a quarter of the population faces acute food shortages, with parts of Darfur experiencing famine. UN officials have described rates of sexual violence against women and girls as “staggering.”

Myanmar’s Ongoing Struggle

Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since 2021, when the Tatmadaw military staged a coup to overthrow the civilian government. The conflict has led to the formation of multiple resistance groups, with over 2,600 new non-state actors emerging since April 2021, comprising 21% of all non-state armed groups globally. Most of these groups were formed by anti-coup protesters who turned to armed resistance in response to the military’s violent crackdown.

The Evolution of Modern Warfare

The nature of civil conflicts is evolving in 2025, with artificial intelligence significantly increasing the frequency and impact of cyberattacks. These technological developments have provided both militaries and non-state actors with new means to destroy critical infrastructure and demoralize civilian populations. The lines between state actors and criminal elements continue to blur, as exemplified by Russia’s “hybrid war” in Europe, where career criminals are remotely recruited and paid in cryptocurrency to conduct various destabilizing operations.

Global Humanitarian Impact

These civil conflicts have resulted in massive humanitarian crises, displacing millions and exacerbating famine and poverty. Africa remains particularly vulnerable, with political instability and militant activity prominent across several regions. The Sahel continues to be a hotspot for insurgency, with groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated militants causing instability in Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso. While these conflicts remain localized, there is potential for escalation into broader regional wars, especially if international interventions prove inadequate or neighboring countries become directly involved.