An armed conflict is a situation of widespread and intense violence between or among States, between or within their territories and/or against non-State actors, characterized by the use of weapons. It can include the use of nuclear, biological, chemical and conventional weaponry as well as the indiscriminate targeting of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure and social services.
Conflicts are caused by a wide range of factors, but some are more common than others:
Governmental Issues Disputes over the structure and processes of governing a country or territory can be the catalyst for armed conflict. These can involve competing visions for the future direction of a region or nation and may be exacerbated by historical grievances, ethnic or religious divides and manipulation of identity politics.
Economic Factors
The direct or indirect economic costs of a war can have devastating consequences for communities and societies. These include military expenditures, damage to vital infrastructure and the diversion of resources from productive sectors. They can also lead to the displacement of populations and fuel migration crises.
Instability
A major factor in the onset of armed conflicts is instability. This can be due to a variety of causes such as political instability, economic hardship and the lack of security in a given region or country. This instability can be further aggravated by the entry of new actors in a conflict, such as private military companies. In this context, it is important to understand the role of these actors in order to promote sustainable solutions that ensure respect for international humanitarian law.