In the last 10–15 years, the number of armed conflicts in the world has doubled.

And a painful question arises: are we humans becoming more civilized or more cruel?

Wars used to be fronts between states. Today, we increasingly see civil wars, proxy conflicts fueled by great powers, asymmetric battles with non-state actors, and drones, cyberattacks, and disinformation have also arrived on the battlefield.

The consequences?

- Millions of displaced people, new waves of refugees

- Children growing up without school and stability

- Weak states turning into fertile ground for extremism

- Global shocks in energy, food, and supply chains

Yet, in the same period, the world has become richer, more educated, and with less poverty. By all accounts, it should be more peaceful.

But it is not. Conflicts are growing.

We have more career diplomats than ever. But are they carrying the flags of peace or dissent?

If education, growth and prosperity do not lead us to peace – what does?

#peace #war #geopolitics #future #diplomacy #world