Introduction and Key Findings
In 2024, the world experienced the highest number of armed conflicts since 1946, according to a Norwegian study published this week. The Instituto de Investigación para la Paz de Oslo (PRIO) reported that Africa remains the continent with the most state-level conflicts, totaling 28, followed by Asia (17), the Middle East (10), Europe (3), and the Americas (2, Colombia and Haiti).
State-Level Conflicts vs. Non-State Actors
The study distinguishes between conflicts involving state actors and those between non-state actors. In 2024, there were 61 state-level conflicts across 36 countries, with some nations experiencing multiple simultaneous outbreaks. In comparison, 2023 saw 59 conflicts in 34 countries.
Non-State Conflicts and High Mortality in the Americas
Regarding non-state conflicts, the report lists 74 instances, six fewer than in 2023. However, it highlights that the Americas had the highest number of deaths in these conflicts, with nearly 13,000 fatalities—four times more than in Africa and 74% of the global total (17,500).
Impact and Context
The PRIO report emphasizes the structural shift in global violence, noting that today’s world is significantly more fragmented and violent than a decade ago. Siri Aas Rustad, the principal author of the report, has tracked these trends since 1946.
In the Americas, the violence is primarily attributed to “highly organized groups,” such as gangs and drug cartels. State-level conflicts in 2024 resulted in approximately 129,000 deaths, making it the fourth bloodiest year since 1989, surpassed only by the three preceding years.
Regional Breakdown
Africa continues to have the most state-level conflicts, with 28, followed by Asia (17), the Middle East (10), Europe (3), and the Americas (2, Colombia and Haiti).
Call for Global Responsibility
The report calls on the United States and other global powers to prevent further escalation of violence worldwide. Siri Aas Rustad warns against isolationism, stating that it would have detrimental long-term consequences on human life. She specifically references the “America First” doctrine advocated by former President Donald Trump.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main finding of the study? The world experienced the highest number of armed conflicts since 1946 in 2024, with Africa having the most state-level conflicts.
- How many state-level conflicts were reported in 2024? There were 61 state-level conflicts across 36 countries in 2024.
- What is the primary cause of non-state conflicts in the Americas? The violence is mainly attributed to highly organized groups, such as gangs and drug cartels.
- What is the call to action from the PRIO report? The report urges global powers, including the United States, to avoid isolationism and maintain international commitments to prevent further escalation of violence.
