Conflict Trends: A Global Overview, 1946–2022

This PRIO Paper examines global conflict trends between 1946 and 2022 using data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP). In 2022, 55 state-based conflicts were recorded in 38 countries, and 8 of thse conflicts were classified as wars. The wars in Ethiopia and Ukraine were the primary contributors to the more than 204,000 battle-related deaths in 2022. There were more state-based battle-related deaths in 2022 than in any year since 1984. Non-state conflicts also increased compared to previous years. In 2022, 82 non-state conflicts were recorded resulting in 20,800 battle-related deaths. Mexico remains one of the most violent countries in terms of non-state conflicts, with more than 14,000 battle-related deaths from non-state conflicts during the year. One-sided violence against civilians was recorded in 30 countries in 2022. Non-state actors remain the drivers behind fatalities resulting from one-sided violence, however, sixteen governments were responsible for one-sided violence against civilians in 2022. The escalation of conflicts over the past year demands increased attention by policy makers to mitigate both the impact of existing conflicts and the proliferation of new and frozen conflicts.