Record 65 Armed Conflicts in 2025 and Growing Nuclear Weapon Risks

A Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) report finds that 2025 saw a record 65 active armed conflicts—the highest number since 1946—resulting in at least 245,000 battle‑related deaths. The surge was driven by the war in Ukraine, the Gaza bombardments and intensified fighting in Sudan, among other crises.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) annual review warns that nuclear danger is also rising. In 2025 the nine nuclear‑armed states (US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel) held an estimated 12,187 warheads, of which about 9,745 remain in military stockpiles and roughly 4,012 are deployed on missiles or aircraft. Modernisation programmes and new weapon systems are expanding capabilities, reversing a decades‑long trend of disarmament.

Both reports underline a growing global security threat, with more conflicts and a renewed arms race increasing the risk of large‑scale casualties and accidental nuclear escalation.