de.euronews.com
Global Armed Conflicts Surge 25% in 2024
Global armed conflicts increased by 25% in 2024, causing 223,000 deaths, with Palestine experiencing the highest intensity, followed by the deadliest conflict in Ukraine; ACLED and IIIS data reveal a worsening situation, impacting 305 million people needing humanitarian aid in 2025.
- What are the immediate global impacts of the 25% increase in political violence in 2024, as reported by ACLED?
- Global armed conflicts surged 25% in 2024, impacting one in eight people and resulting in 223,000 deaths, according to ACLED. This represents a doubling of global conflicts over the past five years. The Palestinian territories experienced the highest conflict intensity, with 35,000 deaths in the past year alone.
- How do the conflict intensity indicators used by ACLED and IIIS highlight the severity of the situation in Palestine and other global hotspots?
- The rise in global conflict intensity, as evidenced by a 37% increase in fatalities by June 2024 (IIIS), is linked to multiple factors. ACLED's data highlights Palestine as the most conflict-ridden country, with 81% of its population affected, and the Middle East as the hardest-hit region. This is further compounded by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which remains the deadliest globally.
- What are the key factors contributing to the anticipated escalation of conflicts in regions like Mexico, Colombia, and the Sahel zone, and what are the potential implications for humanitarian aid?
- Future conflict escalation is anticipated in several regions. ACLED's 2025 watchlist includes Mexico, Colombia, Pakistan, Sudan, and the Sahel zone. The continued underfunding of humanitarian aid in conflict zones like Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine poses a significant risk to millions, exceeding 305 million people needing humanitarian assistance by UN estimates for 2025.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the increase in global conflict numbers and the severity of the situation in Palestine and Ukraine, setting a tone of alarm and crisis. The headline (if there was one) and the opening statements directly point to rising conflict numbers and casualties, emphasizing the negative aspects without offering a balanced perspective on any potential positive developments or peace initiatives. The choice to begin with ACLED's data, a specific source, could also influence the narrative, implying a particular viewpoint on the global conflict data.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual, relying on statistics and quotes from organizations like ACLED and the UN. However, phrases like "conflict-ridden" and "conflict hotspots" could subtly carry negative connotations, contributing to a more alarming tone. While not overtly biased, the language could be improved by using more neutral terms like "areas experiencing conflict" or "regions with high levels of conflict activity".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine, potentially omitting other significant conflicts globally. While it mentions other conflict zones, the depth of coverage is disproportionate, potentially leading to an incomplete understanding of the global conflict landscape. The article also does not discuss the root causes of these conflicts, focusing primarily on the number of casualties and geographic location. This omission limits a full understanding of the complexities involved.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy in the traditional sense, but by focusing intensely on Palestine and Ukraine as the "two largest global conflict hotspots" it risks implying that other conflicts are less significant. The reality is a more complex picture with many active and severe conflicts worldwide, which aren't given the same level of detail.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant global surge in armed conflicts, resulting in a massive increase in casualties and displacement. This directly undermines peace, justice, and the effectiveness of institutions in maintaining order and protecting citizens. The escalating conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, Myanmar, and other regions exacerbate instability and hinder the rule of law, thereby severely impacting this SDG.