Internal armed conflicts

Nature

Internal armed conflict has resulted in the killing of many people in a number of countries. Killings may be carried out by government as well as opposition forces, and there are frequent reports of the indiscriminate killing of non-combatant civilians by government forces in areas where guerrillas are active. Intensive counter-guerrilla operations may use the strategy of emptying areas of the entire civilian population in order to eliminate any possible support for the guerrillas, and often indiscriminate killings occur, involving entire village populations including women and children. Villagers are also abducted and killed by 'death squads' under military control; torture and mutilation are routinely practised. In some cases, people trying to flee the areas of armed conflict or those who reached refugee camps in neighbouring countries are indiscriminately attacked by government forces; many are killed. Often it is claimed that those villages and refugee camps were infiltrated by guerrilla forces and that death occurred in armed clashes between government troops and guerrilla forces. In a number of countries a state of siege or a state of emergency is imposed and constitutional guarantees for human rights are suspended or severely curtailed. In some countries heavy security measures are enforced and arbitrary arrest and detention of those suspected of their involvement with guerrilla movements frequently result in the execution of detainees.

Background

The global significance of internal armed conflicts emerged prominently after World War II, as decolonization and ideological rivalries fueled civil wars and insurgencies. The Cold War era highlighted their devastating humanitarian and geopolitical impacts, prompting international monitoring and intervention. Recognition deepened in the 1990s with conflicts in Rwanda and the Balkans, leading to increased scholarly and policy focus on their causes, dynamics, and the challenges they pose to peace, development, and human rights.

Incidence

Internal armed conflicts have persisted as a significant global issue, affecting dozens of countries each year and resulting in widespread humanitarian crises, displacement, and loss of life. According to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, 2022 saw 55 active internal armed conflicts worldwide, with the majority concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. These conflicts often involve government forces, non-state armed groups, and civilian populations, leading to protracted instability and undermining development.
A recent example is the civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which escalated in November 2020. The conflict has caused thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and severe food insecurity, drawing international concern.

Counter-claim

Internal armed conflicts are vastly overstated as a global concern. Most such disputes are localized, rarely affecting the broader international community or global stability. Resources and attention would be better spent on issues with wider impact, such as climate change or economic inequality. The persistent focus on internal conflicts distracts from more pressing challenges, making it clear that internal armed conflicts are not an important problem in today’s interconnected world.