In the first twenty years of this century, there have been wars in 54 countries of the world’s 193 countries, and most of these wars are continuing today.
Around 60 States and 100 armed groups were actively making war in 2020 according to the ICRC, with many other States supporting these wars in principle and practice as diplomatic, financial and arms-trading allies.
These early 21st first century wars have 10 striking characteristics.