Reviewing the Wars of Recent Years

Below is a blog post about the main conflicts in the past 5 years. Hope you find it useful!

An Unstable World: A Look Back at Global Conflict Hotspots Over the Past Five Years
 

Over the past five years, the world has witnessed a series of conflicts, from large-scale wars to local insurgencies and violence. These events have not only caused heavy losses in lives and property but have also reshaped the global political, economic, and social landscape. Let's take a look at some of the most notable hotspots.

1. Russia-Ukraine Conflict (Began in 2014, intensified significantly from February 2022)
 

This is undoubtedly the most far-reaching conflict of the past decade. Although tensions had been simmering since 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Donbas, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 ignited the largest war in Europe since World War II.

This war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Ukrainians forced to flee their homes. It also led to unprecedented economic sanctions against Russia, disrupting global supply chains and driving up energy and food prices. Geopolitically, the conflict has strengthened NATO, prompted European countries to increase defense spending, and changed how nations perceive regional security.

2. The War in Yemen (Began in 2014)
 

Yemen continues to be one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The war between the Iran-backed Houthi forces and the Saudi-led coalition, which supports the Yemeni government, has devastated the country.

Over the past five years, the situation has remained incredibly tense with relentless fighting, severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Hundreds of thousands have died due to violence, starvation, and disease. Although there have been efforts to negotiate ceasefires, a comprehensive political solution remains elusive.

3. Israel-Palestine Conflict (Recurring outbreaks)
 

This region has always been a flashpoint, and in the past five years, we've seen several significant outbreaks of violence. Notably, the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted in October 2023 after Hamas's attack on Israel, leading to a large-scale war in the Gaza Strip that caused unprecedented human and material damage.

This conflict has not only caused immense suffering for Palestinians and Israelis but has also had ripple effects across the Middle East and the international community, increasing regional tensions and igniting global debates on politics and human rights.

4. Internal Conflicts and Instability in Africa
 

Africa remains a continent facing numerous security challenges. Over the past five years, internal conflicts, terrorist insurgencies, and political instability have continued in many countries:

Ethiopia: The civil war in the Tigray region (2020-2022) caused a severe humanitarian crisis, although a ceasefire agreement is now in place. However, tensions still linger.
Sudan: Fierce clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in 2023, plunging Sudan into a comprehensive crisis, with millions displaced.
Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger): This region continues to face the rise of extremist Islamist groups, frequently causing attacks and instability, leading to a series of military coups.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Persistent violence in the eastern part of the country, involving numerous armed groups, continues to cause humanitarian crises and population displacement.
 
 

5. Afghanistan (After the Taliban gained control in 2021)
 

While not a war in the traditional sense, the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO troops marked a new, tumultuous chapter for the country.

This event ended a 20-year war but simultaneously triggered a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, with millions of Afghans facing starvation and a lack of basic services. The human rights situation, especially for women and girls, is also a major concern.

Ultimately, I hope everyone will join hands to eliminate war from the world and ensure a better life for all. I've used this blog for the Blog Champs Season 9 competition, and I thank the organizers for giving me this opportunity