Why are wars getting longer?

Synopsis

In Sudan, an outbreak of violence has resulted in hundreds of casualties, signaling a potential civil war. This conflict is part of a broader trend of escalating wars globally, including in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The average duration of ongoing conflicts has increased from 13 years in the mid-1980s to nearly 20 years by 2021. Factors contributing to this trend include the rise of multiple insurgencies within the same country, which have tripled since 2000, and a significant increase in foreign intervention in civil wars, which has risen 12-fold since the Cold War. The involvement of foreign powers complicates peace negotiations, as local groups face challenges in reaching compromises. As the United States shifts its focus to China and Russia, countries like Egypt become more involved in conflicts like that in Sudan, where local leaders align with foreign mercenaries, such as those from the Wagner Group. This complex web of interests makes achieving peace increasingly difficult.