Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, dives into escalating global conflicts and humanitarian crises, notably in Sudan and Ukraine. She critiques traditional peacekeeping failures and discusses the implications of the U.S. labeling actions in Haiti and Syria as genocide. Ero also navigates the complex dynamics of U.S.-China relations and the challenges posed by Myanmar’s military junta, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to tackle these urgent issues.
The escalation of conflicts like Sudan and Haiti showcases a troubling rise in violence and humanitarian crises exacerbated by poor governance and external interventions.
Power dynamics in regions such as Syria highlight the complexities of establishing effective governance amid external influences and ongoing threats of renewed conflict.
Deep dives
Escalating Conflicts and Global Military Spending
Current global conflicts are marked by an alarming increase in military spending and a surge in violence, as highlighted by the ongoing genocide in Sudan and a recent missile attack in Ukraine that killed civilians. The rise of big power rivalry since the Arab Spring and the dwindling influence of international bodies like the United Nations have contributed to a more lawless world where state and non-state actors feel emboldened to use force with little repercussion. Many regions, including Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, and the Korean Peninsula, are under further threat as countries that historically moderated disputes struggle to maintain peace. The lack of accountability for aggressors has led to a sense of impunity that exacerbates the cycle of violence rather than curbing it.
The Crisis in Sudan
The conflict in Sudan has rapidly escalated, with over 12 million people displaced and widespread famine affecting more than half the population. The ongoing battle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force has created a humanitarian crisis that surpasses other global conflicts in severity. External meddling by regional powers has complicated the situation, with neither side showing a willingness to cease hostilities. The recent designation of the conflict as genocide by the outgoing U.S. administration adds another layer of complexity, raising questions about accountability and potential diplomatic strategies moving forward.
Haiti's Gang Violence and International Intervention
Haiti continues to struggle with immense gang violence, exacerbated by the assassination of President Moïse and a transitional government's inability to restore order. Despite the deployment of Kenyan troops funded by the U.S., gangs maintain control over significant portions of the country, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacements. Political infighting and corruption hinder the establishment of effective governance, while external interventions have yet to yield meaningful improvements. The potential for escalating violence and a lack of political stability poses a significant concern for both domestic and international stakeholders.
Syria's Slippery Path to Stability
While Syria has experienced a shift in power dynamics with the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, the path to stability remains precarious as various external and internal factions vie for control. An opportunity exists for a new government to build upon this shift, yet challenges such as minority rights, cultural restrictions, and ongoing external interventions complicate the landscape. Observers note that effective governance remains a critical concern, especially with regional players like Turkey and Iran influencing the situation. The potential for renewed conflict looms large if the international community does not engage constructively with the new power structure.
FP Live is joined by Comfort Ero, the president and CEO of the International Crisis Group, as she details the 2025 edition of “10 Conflicts to Watch.” From Sudan to Myanmar, Haiti, Ukraine, Iran, and beyond, why is the world facing so many crises at once, and how can it solve them?
