Prolonged conflicts exact a devastating toll on human lives, societies, and economies. The human cost of these conflicts is not just measured in immediate casualties but also in the long-term suffering of displaced populations, the erosion of social structures, and the generational trauma that follows. Let’s explore the multifaceted human cost of prolonged conflict. We will do this by focusing on conflicts in specific regions and conflict zones. These include (but will not be limited to) : The Syrian Civil War, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Yemen Crisis, the Rohingya Crisis, Afghanistan and the Libyan Civil War. During this discussion, we will also try to support our analysis with relevant facts, figures, and, where possible, real-world examples to underline important points. The aim is to underscore the urgent need for more effective international mechanisms, such as a Global Peacekeeping Alliance, to address and mitigate these devastating impacts.
Editors Note: As of 2025 (the year this book was first published), several regions worldwide are experiencing ongoing conflicts, both internal (civil wars) and external (interstate wars). Below is an overview of notable conflicts, their nature, and their inception dates:
Myanmar Conflict (1948 – Present)
- Nature:Civil war involving multiple ethnic armed groups and the central government.
- Description:Myanmar has been embroiled in continuous conflict since its independence, with various ethnic groups seeking autonomy or independence. The situation has been further complicated by military coups and human rights violations.
Arab-Israeli Conflict (1948 – Present)
- Nature:Interstate and intrastate conflict involving Israel and various Arab nations, as well as Palestinian groups.
- Description:This longstanding conflict encompasses wars between Israel and neighboring Arab countries, as well as ongoing disputes with Palestinian groups over territory and statehood. Recent escalations include clashes with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Insurgency in the Maghreb and Sahel (2002 – Present)
- Nature:Insurgencies and counter-insurgency operations across several African nations.
- Description:Countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad face ongoing insurgencies from groups such as Boko Haram and various Islamist factions, leading to widespread instability in the region.
Sudanese Civil War (2008 – Present)
- Nature:Civil war with ethnic and political dimensions.
- Description:Sudan has been plagued by internal conflicts, notably in regions like Darfur. The situation escalated in April 2023, leading to significant casualties and displacement. Recently, Sudan filed a case against the United Arab Emirates at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of supporting rebel groups involved in atrocities.
Russo-Ukrainian War (2014 – Present)
- Nature:Interstate war between Russia and Ukraine.
- Description:Beginning with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war in 2022. Despite ongoing peace talks, hostilities continue, with recent missile strikes causing civilian casualties.
Ethiopian Civil Conflict (2018 – Present)
- Nature:Civil war involving various ethnic groups and the federal government.
- Description:Ethiopia has experienced internal conflicts, particularly in the Tigray region, leading to humanitarian crises and regional instability.
Read more in the book, The Global Peace Alliance