Analysis of Rising Global Conflicts and the Weakening of International Law in 2025
2025年全球衝突上升與國際法削弱之分析
Introduction
Recent data from several research institutes show a significant increase in state-based conflicts and deadly violence worldwide during 2025. This trend happens at a time when many believe that countries are no longer following international law.
數家研究機構的最新數據顯示，2025年全球國家間的衝突與致命暴力顯著增加。這一趨勢發生在許多人認為各國不再遵守國際法的時刻。
Main Body
According to data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) and the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), 2025 saw 65 active conflicts involving at least one state. This is the highest number since 1946. Specifically, wars between states doubled from the previous year to eight, including conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Israel. Total deaths reached approximately 245,000, making it one of the deadliest years since the Cold War ended. Furthermore, there was a worrying increase in violence against civilians, especially in Sudan.
根據烏普薩拉衝突數據計畫 (UCDP) 與奧斯陸和平研究中心 (PRIO) 的數據，2025年有65場涉及至少一個國家的衝突處於活躍狀態。這是自1946年以來最高的人數。具體而言，國家間的戰爭較前一年翻倍至8場，包括涉及俄羅斯、烏克蘭、伊朗與以色列的衝突。總死亡人數達到約24.5萬人，使其成為冷戰結束以來最慘烈的年份之一。此外，針對平民的暴力行為呈令人憂心的增加趨勢，尤其是在蘇丹。
At the same time, a 2026 Peace Report from four German institutes suggests that 'warlord' behavior is returning. The researchers emphasize that political leaders—such as Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Benjamin Netanyahu—are using military force as a standard tool to achieve their goals and limit the independence of other nations. They also point to the involvement of Gulf monarchies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, in various civil wars.
與此同時，四家德國機構發表的2026年和平報告指出，「軍閥」行為正在回歸。研究人員強調，政治領袖——例如普丁、川普與納坦雅胡——正將軍事武力作為達成目標與限制他國獨立性的標準工具。他們還指出海灣君主國（包括沙烏地阿拉伯、卡達與阿聯酋）參與了多場內戰。
These trends show that the United Nations and the global legal order are becoming less effective. The German institutes argue that Germany's failure to get a seat on the UN Security Council shows a loss of international trust. This is partly because Chancellor Friedrich Merz refused to clearly state that US actions in Venezuela and Iran broke international law. Consequently, the researchers suggest that countries should focus more on human rights and stricter arms control to reduce these crises.
這些趨勢顯示聯合國與全球法律秩序正變得低效。德國研究機構認為，德國未能獲得聯合國安理會席位顯示了國際信任的喪失。部分原因在於總理 Friedrich Merz 拒絕明確表示美國在委內瑞拉與伊朗的行動違反了國際法。因此，研究人員建議各國應更關注人權與更嚴格的軍備控制，以減少這些危機。
Conclusion
The current global security situation is defined by record-high tensions between states and a dangerous trend where political violence is becoming normal.
目前的全球安全局勢，是以國家間破紀錄的高張力，以及政治暴力正趨於常態化的危險趨勢為特徵。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Power-Up': From Simple to Complex Connections
An A2 student says: "Conflicts increased. International law is weak." A B2 speaker says: "Conflicts increased at a time when international law is becoming weaker."
In the text, we find a goldmine for B2 transition: Connecting Ideas to Show Context.
🛠 The Linguistic Tool: "At a time when..."
This phrase is a bridge. Instead of two short, choppy sentences, it merges a fact with a situation. It tells the reader why the timing matters.
Example from text:
"This trend happens at a time when many believe that countries are no longer following international law."
🚀 Leveling Up Your Logic
To reach B2, you must stop listing facts and start weaving them together. Look at these transformations:
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A2 (Basic): I am studying English. I have a lot of work.
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B2 (Advanced): I am studying English at a time when I have a lot of work. (This implies a struggle or a challenge!)
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A2 (Basic): Prices are going up. People are losing jobs.
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B2 (Advanced): Prices are going up at a time when people are losing jobs. (This highlights a crisis!)
🔍 Spotting 'Cause and Effect' Words
B2 fluency is also about Logical Result words. The article uses "Consequently."
Stop using "So" for everything.
- A2: It rained, so I stayed home.
- B2: It rained heavily; consequently, I decided to stay home.
Quick Analysis of the Text's Flow:
Failure to get a seat Loss of trust CONSEQUENTLY Focus on human rights.