Roots of Conflict: Unraveling Global Challenges for Lasting Peace

In the contemporary global landscape, marked by an alarming surge in conflicts and violence, the rising death toll and pervasive consequences of war demand urgent attention. In 2022, at least 237,000 people lost their lives in organized violence, according to a report from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) at Uppsala University. This figure represents a staggering 97% increase from the previous year, marking the highest number since the Rwandan genocide 1994.

The wars in Ethiopia and Ukraine alone resulted in a minimum of 180,000 battle-related deaths in 2022. However, due to scarce and propagandized information from these conflicts, these figures are likely conservative and subject to revision as more accurate data becomes available. Additionally, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has reached a tragic milestone, with over 12,000 people losing their lives in Gaza within four weeks of the conflict’s initiation.

The toll of war extends to mental health on a large scale, with trauma-induced mental health problems persisting long after the cessation of hostilities. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia affect one in five individuals in active or recently war-torn zones, creating a cycle of suffering that may reverberate through future generations.

The current global landscape is marred by ongoing conflicts that extend beyond the battlefield, leaving civilian populations to endure economic devastation. A worldwide economic loss from conflicts is astounding, resulting in the loss of vital infrastructure, including schools, factories, roads, and hospitals, posing substantial obstacles to economic recovery.

Another dire consequence of conflict is the displacement of communities, forcing millions to seek asylum in more stable neighboring countries. According to the UNHCR, more than %76 of refugees have been hosted by low and middle-income countries. By the end of June 2023, nearly 108.4 million people, including refugees, Palestine Refugees, Asylum seekers, other people in need of international protection, and IDPs, have been forcibly displaced worldwide. This displacement perpetuates a cycle of instability and human suffering, posing challenges for both displaced populations and host countries.

Hunger also emerges as a significant cause of conflict, contributing in various ways, such as increased migration, displacement, ethnic and social tension, and economic and political instability. A United Nations report reveals that the global number of people affected by hunger rose to a staggering 828 million in 2021, indicating an increase of 46 million since 2020 and 150 million since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this cause can be exacerbated by current issues such as climate change.

As societies grapple with the devastating aftermath of conflicts, it is crucial to scrutinize the root causes that fuel these destructive events and explore viable strategies for mitigation. Understanding these root causes is imperative for effective conflict resolution and promoting peace. The root causes include;

Economics & Poverty: Economic factors play a significant role, hindering economic development, devastating cities and infrastructure, interrupting economic activities, and deterring investment. Western economic growth has often impacted other nations from colonialism to modern capitalism, aggravating poverty and inequality. While benefiting Europe and the USA, these practices create tension and potential conflicts globally. Addressing economic inequalities, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring equitable access to resources are essential components of any strategy aimed at fostering lasting peace. Sustainable economic recovery is paramount for conflict-affected societies, emphasizing the need to create employment and protect livelihoods as part of the peace-building process. Nearly 700 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 per day, with over half residing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite decades of global poverty reduction, crises between 2020-2022 caused about three years of lost progress. Low-income countries, which experienced increased poverty during this period, have yet to recover, and the gap is not narrowing. Conflict and poverty are closely linked, with a disproportionate number of conflicts occurring in poor countries. While poverty may not directly cause conflict, it is evident that conflict worsens poverty. Understanding the connection is crucial for achieving development goals, especially in poor countries where conflict tends to be exacerbated by various contributing factors.
Climate Change: Nearly a billion people worldwide are currently hungry, and over five million die annually from hunger-related causes. While the lack of agricultural development is a contributing factor, climate change also diminishes land viability, requiring substantial investments in irrigation to cultivate high crop yield. Climate change is emerging as a prominent cause of conflict and displacement, as millions worldwide are forced to relocate due to its profound effects. Climate change affects food availability and societal patterns like land ownership and pastoralism in various regions. Understanding the link between conflict and climate trends is crucial. This impact is not limited to developing countries; it can potentially escalate global conflict. Increased efforts are necessary to comprehend and address these connections.
Energy and Resources: Global dependence on energy is increasing, with Western societies relying on conflict-prone neighbors for oil and natural resources. This dependency will significantly influence conflict resolution as intervening nations prioritize energy and resources in their agendas.
Religion, Governance, and Politics: historically, issues such as human rights and justice have fueled major global conflicts, persisting as fundamental challenges in societal structures. Inequality within societies and across regions is a primary driver of conflict, amplified by rapid information sharing that heightens awareness. The convergence of economic, social, and environmental factors, including resource competition and climate change intensifying resource scarcity, contributes to political conflicts.
Societal Disparities: Social Disparities contribute to tensions both within and between nations. The aggressive pursuit of economic growth by some nations, often at the expense of others, creates a breeding ground for resentment and conflict. The widening gap between affluent countries and those grappling with poverty intensifies global competition for resources, amplifying geopolitical tensions.
New Technology: While technological advances propel global development, they magnify existing injustices and inequalities. Information disparities, exacerbated by technological advancements, make social inequalities more visible than ever. Addressing these disparities and promoting technological equity is imperative for sustainable conflict resolution.
Organized Crime, Urban and Domestic Violence: Crime, surpassing armed conflicts, claimed almost half a million lives globally in 2017. Homicide rates, if unchecked, threaten to undermine Sustainable Development Goal 16 to reduce violence by 2030. Organized crime and gang violence, prevalent in the Americas, contribute significantly, fueled by political instability. Additionally, domestic violence remains a critical issue, with 58% of female homicides attributed to intimate partners or family members in 2017, highlighting persistent gender-based challenges globally.
Terrorism: Conflict remains the main driver, with over 99% of terrorist-related deaths occurring in conflict zones. In economically developed countries, social alienation and state involvement in external conflicts drive terrorism. While terrorism-related deaths in Western Europe decrease, incidents rise, with the majority of deadly attacks occurring in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Nuclear Threat: Advocating the peaceful use of nuclear energy is essential for global progress. While acknowledging concerns about arms control, harnessing nuclear technology for clean energy, medical advancements, and scientific research can contribute to sustainable development. Encouraging responsible and transparent practices ensures the positive impact of nuclear resources, promoting international cooperation for a safer world and demonstrating the dual potential of nuclear technology.

In the pursuit of lasting peace, international cooperation is indispensable. As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, the commitment to building sustainable peace underscores the collective responsibility to address the multifaceted challenges underlying conflicts worldwide. The interconnected nature of peace, food production, and economic stability, as emphasized by the World Food Programme, highlights that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of conditions that allow communities to thrive.

Addressing the fundamental causes of conflict, including economic inequalities, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and other factors, becomes paramount for sustainable peace. In conclusion, the quest for lasting peace in our world requires a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of conflicts and a commitment to addressing them collaboratively. The role of the United Nations international and nonprofit agencies is pivotal in this endeavor, providing a platform for multilateral cooperation and promoting norms contributing to equality, conflict prevention, and economic development. By recognizing the interconnectedness of global challenges and working together, we can pave the way for a future where the roots of the conflict are unearthed, and the seeds of lasting peace are sown across the globe.

The Humanitarian Peace Foundation (HPF), through study, research, awareness-building, and fostering open dialogue, actively addresses various causes of conflict. By encouraging brainstorming and discussions, the foundation aims to contribute to sustainable resolutions, which are vital in promoting global peace.

Sources:

Shima Azizi

Tagged story