This PRIO Paper examines global conflict trends between 1946 and 2025 using data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP). 2025 was one of the most violent years since the Cold War, with 65 active conflicts across 35 countries – the highest number recorded since 1946 – and more than 255,000 fatalities. The high number of battle-related deaths was driven mainly by three conflicts: the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the bombardments of Gaza; and the high levels of one-sided violence in Sudan, particularly in the massacre in El Fasher.
We also see an increase in international conflicts, with a doubling from four in 2024, to eight in 2025. This is a very concerning trend, and we see several latent border conflicts which have become violent, reflecting the current growing global tensions. While state-based violence increased, non-state conflicts decreased slightly compared to previous years. In 2025, 75 non-state conflicts were recorded, resulting in approximately 14,500 battle-related deaths. Africa is still the continent with the highest levels of non-state violence.
The level of one-sided violence against civilians increased dramatically from 14,200 in 2024 to 76,500 in 2025. This increase can be attributed to the conflict in Sudan. In 2025, the number of actors using one-sided violence was at a record high.
