Almost every year in the period 1992-2003, PRIO and the University of Uppsala Conflict Data programme reported a decrease in the number of armed conflicts worldwide. It went down from over fifty to around thirty.
For an even longer period the number of 'battle deaths' (people killed directly in armed conflict) has been decreasing even more significantly. In the 2003-2007 period there was no longer any downward trend, and in 2008, we reported an increase in the number of armed conflicts. That year also saw the first international war in several years (Eritrea-Djibouti), and in 2009 we are witnessing severe setbacks (Gaza, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan) in relation to the post-cold war peace trend.
This happens at the same time as the world is entering a serious economic crisis. Can the setback be temporary, or is the world getting less peaceful?
This event includes the launch of the Uppsala - PRIO Conflict Data.
This seminar will be chaired by Kristian Berg Harpviken.
Panel: Peter Wallensteen, Uppsala University: Trends in armed conflict, other armed violence - and interventions
Stein Tønnesson, PRIO: Major Armed Conflicts since the Cold War?
Bates Gill, SIPRI: No war among great powers, but arms proliferation
Nils Petter Gleditsch, PRIO: Has the post-Cold War peace trend come to an end?
Please register with fifty@prio.no if you want to take part in this seminar.
Please remember to specify which seminar you wish to attend!
