It is an inescapable fact that, across the globe, conflicts have become entrenched in regions where historical grievances, territorial disputes, and external intervention fuel cycles of instability. The Middle East and Eastern Europe are often at the forefront of discussions on global conflict, but they are part of a wider network of hotspots, each with its unique dynamics and shared implications for international security. From Africa’s Sahel region to the Korean Peninsula, the causes and consequences of these conflicts demand a closer examination to understand their interconnectedness and to make the case for a comprehensive approach to peacekeeping.
In the Middle East, the intersection of sectarian divisions, geopolitical rivalries, and external interference has created a landscape where conflict is both persistent and multifaceted. Syria continues to be a devastating example, where a civil war that began in 2011 has drawn in regional and global powers, transforming it into a proxy battleground. The United States, Russia, Turkey, and Iran have all played roles in the conflict, aligning with opposing factions and complicating any path to resolution. Meanwhile, Yemen remains a humanitarian disaster, with the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces locked in a prolonged and destructive war. The ripple effects extend far beyond the region, exacerbating global energy insecurity and displacing millions into neighboring countries and beyond.
In Eastern Europe, the conflict in Ukraine highlights the dangers of territorial disputes and great-power rivalry. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale invasion in 2022 reflect a broader contest between Russia and NATO for influence in the region. This war has not only inflicted enormous human and economic costs on Ukraine but has also destabilized Europe, leading to an energy crisis and sparking the largest refugee crisis in the continent since World War II. The conflict has exposed deep divisions within global alliances, with countries struggling to balance support for Ukraine with their own domestic economic challenges. The war’s implications are global, disrupting food supplies as Ukrainian grain exports falter and creating inflationary pressures worldwide.
In Africa, the Sahel region exemplifies how weak governance, climate change, and extremist insurgencies can create a cycle of violence. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have faced growing instability as terrorist groups exploit poverty and fragile institutions to expand their influence. These conflicts not only devastate local populations but also create a breeding ground for transnational threats, including human trafficking and the proliferation of arms. Somalia, too, continues to battle the long-standing insurgency of Al-Shabaab, which destabilizes the Horn of Africa and limits the nation’s ability to recover from decades of conflict.
Asia has its own share of flashpoints. The Korean Peninsula remains one of the most militarized regions in the world, with tensions between North and South Korea regularly threatening to escalate into open conflict. The South China Sea is another hotspot, where territorial disputes between China and neighboring countries have raised fears of potential military confrontations. In Myanmar, a military coup in 2021 reignited internal strife, displacing hundreds of thousands and drawing international condemnation. Each of these conflicts underscores the volatility of a region where historical rivalries and authoritarian governance often clash with aspirations for stability and progress.
Read more in the book, The Global Peace Alliance