Our species appears to be afflicted by a profound sense of self-loathing. Right now, humans are killing one another in various conflict hotspots around the globe. I may not know any of these individuals, but this is still a concern for me because it could escalate into a nuclear extinction event for our species and because I oppose violence and inhumane treatment. Shouldn’t we all feel this way? The statistics are staggering.
Current Global Conflicts: Estimated Casualties
These are the casualty numbers I gathered from an AI search. I can’t verify if these figures are accurate or exaggerated in either direction, but here they are below. This situation is horrific. What is wrong with humans doing this to one another?
The conflicts and violence occurring in various regions can be attributed to a range of “deeply rooted issues.” Here’s an exploration of what is fundamentally wrong, what is causing a failure to live in peace in these contexts:
Ukraine (Territorial conflict)
Ukrainian Forces: ~43,000 killed
Russian Forces: ~792,170 total casualties (including ~430,790 in 2024).
Nationalism and Power Struggles: The desire for territorial control and national identity has led to violent confrontations, often fueled by historical grievances and geopolitical interests.
Gaza (Israel-Palestine Conflict) (Occupation, retaliation)
Palestinians: >45,550 killed, >108,300 injured since October 7, 2023
Israelis: ~1,200 killed (initial Hamas attack), ~389 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza.
Occupation and Retaliation: The ongoing cycle of occupation and retaliatory violence breeds resentment and suffering, perpetuating a conflict that is deeply intertwined with historical injustices and political power dynamics.
Sudan (Ethnic violence)
Total Deaths: Estimates range from >28,700 to as high as 150,000 (including indirect deaths) – Violent Deaths: ~26,000 deaths due to violence in Khartoum State.
Ethnic Hatred: Long-standing ethnic tensions and historical grievances have manifested in brutal violence, including ethnic cleansing, driven by power struggles between military factions and deep-seated animosities.
Myanmar (Military coup)
Casualties: Thousands killed since February 2021 military coup (exact figures uncertain).
Authoritarianism: The military coup has resulted in widespread oppression and violence against civilians, reflecting a disregard for human rights and the rule of law, as the ruling junta seeks to maintain control through brutality.
Horn of Africa (Ethiopia) (Ethnic conflict)
Casualties: Tens of thousands estimated dead due to ethnic conflicts and violence.
Resource Competition: Conflicts often arise from competition over scarce resources, exacerbated by ethnic divisions and historical grievances, leading to cycles of violence that devastate communities.
Sahel Region (Jihadist violence)
Casualties: Thousands have died in recent years due to rising violence from jihadist groups.
Jihadist Extremism: The rise of jihadist groups exploiting local grievances has led to increased violence, driven by ideological extremism and the struggle for power amidst weak governance.
The Motives For Current Conflicts
These global conflicts highlight a troubling aspect of human nature: the capacity for violence driven by fear, hatred, greed, and the desire for power.
The feelings of fear, hatred, greed, and the desire for power can be traced to a complex interplay of psychological, social, and evolutionary factors. At a fundamental level, fear often arises from perceived threats to survival or well-being, leading individuals to react defensively or aggressively towards others. This instinctual response can foster hatred, particularly when people feel threatened by those they view as different or as competitors for resources. Greed, on the other hand, is often rooted in a desire for security and status; individuals may hoard resources out of fear of scarcity or a need to assert dominance over others. Additionally, the desire for power can stem from a deep-seated need for control in an unpredictable world, where asserting authority provides a sense of stability and influence. Social conditioning and cultural narratives further exacerbate these feelings, as individuals learn behaviors that prioritize self-interest and competition over cooperation and empathy. Ultimately, these emotions reflect not only personal insecurities but also broader societal dynamics that perpetuate cycles of conflict and violence.
Recognizing the Personal Threat
Even those who may lack compassion for others should still be worried about global conflicts, primarily for their own survival. Resolving these conflicts is crucial because when issues go unresolved, they can spiral into widespread violence, destabilizing entire regions and triggering humanitarian crises that ultimately impact global security and economic stability. In the direst situations, these unresolved conflicts could escalate into nuclear warfare, posing an existential threat to humanity and potentially leading to catastrophic consequences, including environmental collapse and the breakdown of social order. After all, a single nuclear war can drastically change life as we know it, making it clear that addressing these conflicts is not just a moral imperative but a matter of self-preservation for everyone.
With ongoing conflicts a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. Instead, a detailed and tailored process is essential for each unique situation. This article presents a plan that not only addresses current conflicts, but lays the groundwork for preventing future disputes.
The Negotiation Process
Mediation Defined
Mediation is a form of assisted negotiation where a neutral third party helps conflicting parties find mutually acceptable solutions. This informal and flexible process involves three distinct phases: introduction, problem-solving, and closure. Introduction Phase: The mediator establishes ground rules and schedules meetings, ensuring both parties can express their perspectives. Problem-Solving Phase: The mediator facilitates discussions around interests and potential solutions. Private sessions with each party allow for candid communication. Closure Phase: Both parties articulate their terms for resolution, culminating in a documented agreement detailing their commitments.
Why This Plan Will Work
The effectiveness of this mediation framework lies in its adaptability and inclusiveness. By focusing on the interests behind positions rather than rigid demands, mediators can foster collaborative environments conducive to finding common ground. This approach emphasizes empathetic listening and interest-based negotiation, which are crucial for addressing underlying grievances across diverse conflicts.
Tailored Plans for Specific Conflicts
1. Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Negotiation Strategy: Employ a multilateral peace formula that includes key stakeholders such as the EU and NATO. Implementation: Continuous diplomatic engagement and military support for Ukraine while leveraging economic sanctions against Russia to create incentives for compliance.
OBSTACLES
Military Stalemate: Ongoing military engagements create an environment of distrust, making negotiations difficult[1][3]. Political Changes: Potential shifts in U.S. leadership may affect military support for Ukraine, complicating negotiations[6]. Public Sentiment: Growing fatigue among European nations regarding prolonged military support could pressure Ukraine into unfavorable agreements[1].
2. Sudan Civil War
Negotiation Strategy: Utilize transformative mediation to empower local communities and address root causes of conflict. Implementation: International support in the form of humanitarian aid should be contingent upon progress in negotiations.
OBSTACLES
Fragmented Peace Processes: Multiple rebel groups with differing agendas complicate unified negotiations[4][9]. Economic Constraints: Sudan’s deteriorating economy hampers the government’s ability to implement peace agreements effectively[4]. Lack of Inclusivity: Exclusion of significant factions from negotiations undermines the legitimacy of any agreements reached[9][11].
3. Middle East Tensions
Negotiation Strategy: Focus on consensus-building among all stakeholders involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Implementation: International mediators should provide resources for joint projects that benefit both communities.
OBSTACLES
Extremist Groups: The presence of non-state actors like Hamas complicates negotiations and creates security concerns for Israel[5][12]. Geopolitical Rivalries: Regional tensions involving Iran and its proxies can escalate conflicts further, making peace efforts more challenging[8][12]. Public Distrust: Deep-rooted animosities between communities hinder cooperative efforts and compromise solutions[10].
To address the ongoing global conflicts not previously covered, we can incorporate tailored plans for the following situations:
4. Myanmar (Military Coup)
Negotiation Strategy: Implement inclusive dialogue that incorporates various ethnic groups and political factions to address grievances and promote reconciliation. Implementation: International pressure should be applied to the military junta to engage in negotiations, with sanctions on military leaders contingent upon their willingness to participate in peace talks.
OBSTACLES
Authoritarian Resistance: The military junta’s reluctance to relinquish power complicates negotiations and prolongs violence. Ethnic Divisions: Diverse ethnic groups may have conflicting interests, making it challenging to reach a consensus.
5. Horn of Africa (Ethiopia)
Negotiation Strategy: Facilitate community-based dialogues that address local grievances and promote resource-sharing agreements among ethnic groups. Implementation: Engage regional organizations to support peacebuilding initiatives and provide resources for conflict resolution at the community level.
OBSTACLES
Historical Grievances: Long-standing ethnic tensions and historical injustices can hinder dialogue efforts. Resource Scarcity: Competition over limited resources exacerbates conflicts, making cooperation difficult.
6. Sahel Region
Negotiation Strategy: Establish a comprehensive security framework that includes local communities, governments, and international partners to combat jihadist violence collaboratively. Implementation: Develop programs that address underlying socio-economic issues contributing to extremism, such as poverty and lack of education.
OBSTACLES
Weak Governance: Fragile state structures in the Sahel make it difficult to implement effective security measures. Jihadist Influence: The presence of well-organized jihadist groups complicates efforts to stabilize the region.
Conclusion
These tailored plans recognize the unique dynamics of each conflict while emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue and community engagement. By addressing specific grievances and fostering cooperation among stakeholders, we can lay the groundwork for sustainable peace and conflict resolution in these troubled regions.
Preventing Future Conflicts
Building Resilience
Preventing future conflicts requires a proactive approach that focuses on strengthening governance structures and promoting economic development. Effective governance is essential for maintaining peace, as it fosters transparency and accountability within political systems. When governments operate openly and are held accountable, it helps address grievances that can lead to unrest. Ensuring that political processes are inclusive allows diverse groups to have their voices heard, which can reduce feelings of disenfranchisement. This can be accomplished through reforms that enhance civic engagement, promote fair electoral processes, and establish mechanisms for public accountability.
In parallel with governance improvements, investing in economic development is crucial for conflict prevention. Economic disparities can create desperation among communities, increasing the risk of violence. By directing resources toward education, job creation, and entrepreneurship, governments and international organizations can help stabilize these communities. Initiatives focused on skill development, access to markets, and infrastructure improvements empower individuals and foster social cohesion, making communities less susceptible to extremist ideologies.
Together, these strategies—enhancing governance and promoting economic development—provide a solid framework for building resilience against future conflicts. By addressing the underlying causes of instability and creating environments where all citizens feel valued, societies can work toward lasting peace and reduce the likelihood of new conflicts arising.
International Cooperation
Preventing future conflicts also requires strong international cooperation to establish global norms around human rights and conflict resolution. Creating accountability frameworks helps ensure that countries adhere to established standards, fostering an environment where human rights are respected. Such norms encourage nations to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to violence when disputes occur. Incorporating human rights considerations into conflict resolution processes can help address grievances effectively and promote sustainable peace.
Additionally, collaborative security initiatives among nations are vital for addressing transnational threats that can exacerbate local disputes. Issues such as terrorism, organized crime, and environmental challenges require coordinated responses across borders. Initiatives like joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaborative law enforcement efforts can enhance regional stability and deter potential conflicts. Building partnerships between governments and international institutions creates a comprehensive security framework that addresses both immediate threats and long-term causes of conflict.
However, effective international cooperation faces challenges. Power imbalances among nations can complicate consensus-building efforts, with more powerful states potentially imposing their interests on weaker ones. Geopolitical rivalries may also hinder collaborative initiatives, leading to mistrust among nations. To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to promote a more equitable multilateral system that encourages inclusivity in decision-making processes. Involving diverse stakeholders in discussions about conflict prevention will help create a more balanced approach.
Establishing global norms for human rights and fostering collaborative security initiatives are critical components of a comprehensive strategy for preventing future conflicts. By addressing both the symptoms and root causes of disputes through international cooperation, nations can work together to create a more stable world where dialogue prevails over violence.
Conclusion
The path to global conflict resolution requires tailored strategies that recognize the unique circumstances surrounding each situation. By employing structured negotiation processes rooted in mediation principles, we can effectively address current disputes while laying the groundwork for sustainable peace. A commitment to community empowerment, international cooperation, and resilience-building will be essential in preventing future conflicts and fostering a more peaceful global landscape as we move forward into 2025 and beyond.
Read More
[1] https://www.newsweek.com/2025-will-pivotal-year-ukraine-russia-opinion-2008881
[2] https://mickryan.substack.com/p/the-big-five-4-janaury-2025
[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukraine-trump-russia-war-invasion-new-year-rcna184977
[4] https://africanarguments.org/2020/10/the-obstacles-to-sudans-landmark-peace-deal/
[5] https://themedialine.org/top-stories/after-a-year-of-war-what-does-2025-hold-for-israel/
[6] https://washingtondc.jhu.edu/news/what-to-know-about-ukraine-in-2025/
[7] https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/defusing-diffusion-challenges-peace-making-sudan
[8] https://www.hoover.org/research/american-and-middle-east-2025-old-challenges-broken-myths-new-opportunities
[9] https://www.policycenter.ma/publications/ongoing-war-sudan-and-its-implications-security-and-stability-horn-africa-and-beyond
[10] https://acleddata.com/conflict-watchlist-2025/middle-east/
[11] https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/power-struggle-sudan
[12] https://www.mei.edu/blog/four-years-tectonic-shifts-redrew-middle-east
[13] https://www.policycenter.ma/publications/sudan-peace-talks-geneva-navigating-challenges-16-month-conflict
[14] https://fpi.ec.europa.eu/what-we-do/conflict-prevention-peace-and-stability_en
[15] https://www.ethicsandinternationalaffairs.org/journal/a-human-rights-approach-to-conflict-resolution
[16] https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2022-04/conflict-prevention-taming-dogs-war
[17] https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/conflict-resolution-and-human-rights-peacebuilding-exploring-tensions
[18] https://www.pon.harvard.edu/shop/planning-for-intervention-international-cooperation-in-conflict-management/
[19] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ethics-and-international-affairs/article/abs/human-rights-approach-to-conflict-resolution/0EA47DCDB4275D9FF8CE696455CDD52E
[20] https://www.gppac.net/news/insights-multilateral-cooperation-prevention-armed-conflict-overview-member-states-prevention
[21] https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Publications/HR_in_armed_conflict.pdf
[22] https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-losses-thousand-2008531
[23] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/4/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1045
[24] https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-lebanon-hezbollah-iran-news-11-20-2024-5da3ce43df8662fe9eeab4ad804bdc0f
[25] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/world/europe/ukrainian-war-dead.html
[26] https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3943857-russias-war-casualty-toll-in-ukraine-rises-by-1250-in-past-day.html
[27] https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-palestinians-statistics-40000-7ebec13101f6d08fe10cedbf5e172dde
[28] https://www.congress.gov/118/meeting/house/116768/documents/HHRG-118-ZS00-20240130-SD002.pdf
[29] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/16/death-toll-from-israels-war-on-gaza-tops-45000
[30] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Russo-Ukrainian_War
[31 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1422308/palestinian-territories-israel-number-fatalities-and-injuries-caused-by-the-israel-and-hamas-war/
[32] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv75nydy3o
[33] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Israel-Hamas_war
[34] https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-announces-its-total-military-casualties-first-time/
[35] https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-palestinians-statistics-40000-7ebec13101f6d08fe10cedbf5e172dde
[36] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli%E2%80%93Palestinian_conflict
[37] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Tigray_war
[38] https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/middle-east/israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/report-israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/
[39] https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396
[40] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigray_war
[41] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Israel-Hamas_war
[42] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza%E2%80%93Israel_conflict
[43] https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-01-27/ethiopias-forgotten-war-is-the-deadliest-of-the-21st-century-with-around-600000-civilian-deaths.html
[44] https://www.amnesty.org/en/projects/sudan-conflict/
[45] https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/myanmar-history-coup-military-rule-ethnic-conflict-rohingya
[46] https://www.prio.org/publications/717
[47] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-67020154
[48] https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/asia-and-the-pacific/south-east-asia-and-the-pacific/myanmar/report-myanmar/
[49] https://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/article/10.11648/j.ajap.20150402.12
[50] https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention/countries/south-sudan/case-study
[51] https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/02/three-years-after-coup-myanmars-generals-face-existential-crisis
[52] https://archive.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu12ee/uu12ee06.htm
[52] https://www.globalr2p.org/countries/south-sudan/
[54] https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/26/sudan-new-mass-ethnic-killings-pillage-darfur
[55] https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/09/sudan-ethnic-cleansing-west-darfur
[56] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleshas_(Buddhism)
[57] https://tricycle.org/beginners/buddhism/three-poisons/
[58] https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/from-psychopaths-to-everyday-sadists-why-do-humans-harm-the-harmless/
[59] https://jackkornfield.com/wise-thought/
[60] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357885702_Fear_Anger_Hatred_and_Greed
[61] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fear-intrinsic-destroyer-caleb-grummet
[62] https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-lebanon-hezbollah-iran-news-11-20-2024-5da3ce43df8662fe9eeab4ad804bdc0f
[63] https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/09/sudan-ethnic-cleansing-west-darfur
[64] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/31/gazas-2024-a-year-of-war-and-misery
[65] https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/invisible-and-severe-death-toll-sudan-conflict-revealed
[66] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/16/death-toll-from-israels-war-on-gaza-tops-45000
[67] https://acleddata.com/2024/11/18/defection-and-violence-against-civilians-in-sudans-al-jazirah-state-november-2024/
[68] https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-12-16-2024-9f7c8f0df71dc4c97a6b31aed6e13304
[69] https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2024/invisible-and-severe-death-toll-sudan-conflict-revealed
[70] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Israel-Hamas_war
[71] https://acleddata.com/2024/04/14/sudan-situation-update-april-2024-one-year-of-war-in-sudan/
[72] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01169-3/fulltext