In 2025, the global security agenda has become even more complex against the backdrop of both long-standing conflicts and newly emerging geopolitical tensions. The dynamics of military and political processes are changing in various regions; while relative calm is observed in some confrontations, the risk of clashes is increasing in others.
In the South Caucasus, the de facto cessation of the decades-long conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is forming a new political environment, despite the peace treaty not yet being signed. The establishment of initial contacts between the parties in the areas of civil society, economic cooperation, and communication indicates a reduction in tension in the region. However, it is too early to assess the process as complete stability — the future security architecture of the region is still in its formative stage.
On the other hand, the situation in the Western Hemisphere is, conversely, escalating. The years-long political confrontation between the US and Venezuela has become one of the crises most closely approaching the risk of military incident in 2025. The changing balance of power in the region, energy policy, and migration pressure further exacerbate relations.
This backdrop creates conditions for the activation of other hot spots on the world map.
Modern.az presents a list of the main conflict hotspots where military clashes continued, weapons did not fall silent, and global stability was threatened in 2025:
1. Ukraine – Russia War: A Bloody Confrontation Entering its 4th Year
This war, now entering its fourth year, has shattered Europe's security architecture. Although the front line did not significantly change in 2025, drone and missile attacks entered a new phase. Ukraine's "Spider Web" operation and Russia's new offensives in the Donetsk direction indicate that the war will continue for a long time.
2. Middle East: Israel – Iran and the Gaza Strip
In June 2025, Israel's "Am Kelavi" operation, involving direct air strikes on Iran, materialized the fear of a "major war" in the region. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and tensions on the Lebanese border keep the Middle East as the world's most unstable zone.
3. Syria: A "Frozen" but Unextinguished Hotspot
The conflict, ongoing since 2011, had not found a complete resolution in 2025 either. The military presence of Russia, the US, and Iran in different regions keeps the country in a fragmented state.
4. Sudan: The Bloody Wound of the African Continent
The civil war that began in 2023 intensified further in 2025. Battles in the capital Khartoum and the Darfur region led to the continent's largest refugee crisis.
5. Myanmar: Expanding Civil War
Internal conflicts that began after the 2021 coup resulted in the central army losing control in 2025. Ethnic armed groups gained strategic advantage in large parts of the country.
6. Sahel Region (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger)
This region became the center of global terrorism in 2025. The vacuum created after political coups expanded the activities of radical groups.
7. Ethiopia (Post-Tigray Tensions)
Although a peace agreement was officially reached, confrontations between local groups and the central government in the Tigray region and other provinces have not fully ended.
