Rising Global Violence: The number of armed conflicts and related deaths has risen significantly since 2010. The period 2021 to 2024 is among the deadliest in 35 years, with massive human displacement in Gaza, Sudan, DRC, and Myanmar.
Ineffective Peacemaking: While peace-oriented activity continues, it has become less effective; the last peace agreement to terminate a conflict by mutual accord rather than military victory was in 2016. The annual number of agreements has dropped from nearly 100 to an average of 35 in the 202Record Military Spending: Global military expenditure reached an all-time high of over $2.7 trillion in 2024. This trend reflects a widespread perception of insecurity, with some nations like China increasing spending every year for three decades.
Escalating Nuclear and Ecological Risks: The era of nuclear reduction is ending as stockpiles in some nations grow and major arms control treaties like New START face expiration. Simultaneously, the ecological crisis (climate change and biodiversity loss) is worsening, driving further human insecurity.
Institutional Decline: Future peace efforts must be crafted to succeed without relying on global and regional institutions, which are currently unable to meet the challenges of conflict management or environmental protection.