Rising global conflicts signal end of long peace and a shift towards instability

The world today feels very different from what it was a few decades ago. Many experts and observers believe that the period known as the “Long Peace” is slowly coming to an end. This term, popularised by historian John Lewis Gaddis, describes the relatively peaceful period after World War II, when large-scale wars between major powers became less common.

However, in 2026, the situation appears to be changing. Conflicts are increasing, violence is becoming more visible, and global tensions are rising. Many people now feel that the world is entering a more unstable and dangerous phase.

Recent comments by Donald Trump about bringing enemies “back to the Stone Age,” along with similar strong statements by figures like Pete Hegseth, reflect a more aggressive tone in global politics. These remarks may be extreme, but they highlight a deeper concern about the direction in which the world is heading.

Growing conflicts and rising violence

In recent years, several major conflicts have caused widespread destruction and loss of life. The Russia-Ukraine war has been especially deadly, with hundreds of thousands of people killed. Images from the war often resemble scenes from World War I, with destroyed landscapes and soldiers fighting in trenches.

Other regions are also facing serious violence. Conflicts in Gaza, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Ethiopia have led to large numbers of deaths and humanitarian crises. These wars have affected millions of people, forcing many to leave their homes and live in difficult conditions.

The situation is not limited to one part of the world. Violence is spreading across different regions, and many countries are experiencing instability. Even areas that were once considered relatively peaceful are now facing new challenges.

The Global Peace Index 2025 has highlighted this worrying trend. According to the report, global peace is at its lowest level since World War II. It also notes that the number of active conflicts is the highest in decades, and the number of deaths caused by these conflicts is rising.

The report shows that peaceful conditions have been declining steadily since 2014. More than 100 countries have become less peaceful over the past decade. This indicates that the problem is widespread and not limited to a few regions.

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Changing attitudes and loss of sensitivity

Along with rising violence, there is also a change in how people react to it. In the past, events such as wars, attacks, or humanitarian crises often shocked people and sparked strong reactions. Today, many such events are quickly forgotten.

Social media plays a role in this change. People often see disturbing images or news, react briefly, and then move on to other content. This has created a sense of normalisation, where violence no longer shocks people in the same way.

This shift is also visible in daily life. In many places, including India, there are increasing reports of aggressive behaviour, road rage, and public conflicts. These may not be as large as wars, but they reflect a growing tendency towards anger and intolerance.

Historians had warned about such a possibility. Eric Hobsbawm, in his book Age of Extremes, predicted that the world could face instability and social breakdown in the future. His words now seem more relevant as global tensions continue to rise.

The concern is not just about physical violence, but also about moral and social changes. Many observers believe that values such as empathy, responsibility, and accountability are weakening. In some cases, actions that were once considered unacceptable are now being tolerated or ignored.

This combination of rising conflict and changing attitudes creates a worrying picture. It suggests that the world is not only facing more violence but is also becoming less sensitive to it.

Despite these challenges, it is important to remember that the situation is not hopeless. Awareness of these issues is the first step towards addressing them. Governments, organisations, and individuals all have a role to play in promoting peace and stability.

Efforts such as diplomacy, international cooperation, and social awareness can help reduce tensions and prevent conflicts. At the same time, people can work towards creating a more understanding and respectful society in their daily lives.

In conclusion, while the idea of the world going “back to the Stone Age” may be an exaggeration, it reflects real concerns about increasing violence and instability. The decline of the Long Peace is a reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted. It requires continuous effort, awareness, and commitment from everyone.

The future will depend on how the world responds to these challenges. Whether it moves further towards conflict or works towards peace will shape the lives of generations to come.