The Wars You Don’t See on American News.

Introduction.

While many may not be aware, my background in conflict resolution has not only been about navigating complex negotiations but also about discovering innovative ways to foster peace, even if momentarily. One approach that has shown promising results is what we refer to as “intended outcome media.” This method leverages targeted media productions to influence stakeholders positively, providing brief yet impactful respite in tumultuous regions.

Through my extensive work in various conflict zones, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the underlying issues fueling these disputes. This hands-on experience has equipped me with unique insights into crafting media that resonates with the local context and addresses specific conflict dynamics.

Despite the skepticism often surrounding traditional conflict resolution methods as being ineffectual and costly, our niche approach has carved out a space where media can truly make a difference. As someone committed to staying well-informed about global conflicts, I bring to light some lesser-known yet significant conflicts around the world that rarely make headlines in America. Here are some of those untold stories.

The Forgotten Conflicts: A Glimpse into the World’s Overlooked Struggles

In a world where headlines are dominated by a few major stories, countless conflicts simmer under the radar, affecting millions but receiving little attention. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America each tell a tale of ongoing strife that escapes the typical news cycle in the United States.

Middle East and North Africa: A Mosaic of Turmoil

The MENA region is particularly fraught, hosting over 45 armed conflicts across various nations such as Syria, Libya, Yemen, and the lesser-discussed areas like Western Sahara. These conflicts are primarily non-international, featuring a complex web of non-state actors and foreign interventions. Dr. Chiara Redealli of the Geneva Academy points to Syria as a significant hotspot, where the convergence of multiple non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) and international tensions paints a dire picture of overlapping crises.

Africa: Persistent Unrest

Africa follows closely with over 35 armed conflicts. Countries like Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic (CAR) are embroiled in violence involving numerous rebel groups and governmental forces. Dr. Redealli highlights the severity in CAR, where government and rebel forces engage in relentless conflict, making the humanitarian situation increasingly precarious.

Asia: Underreported Conflicts

Asia witnesses 21 armed conflicts, with significant unrest in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the Philippines. In Pakistan and the Philippines, multiple armed groups challenge governmental authority, leading to continued instability and suffering. According to Dr. Redealli, these conflicts involve critical issues of governance and territorial control, especially in areas like Balochistan and Mindanao.

Europe: The Shadow of Occupation

Europe might seem peaceful compared to other regions, but it hosts several armed conflicts, primarily driven by territorial occupations. Russia’s activities in Ukraine, Crimea, and parts of Georgia, along with Armenia’s presence in Nagorno-Karabakh, mark significant breaches of international norms. The escalation in Ukraine since February 2022 has intensified these conflicts, raising alarms over potential war crimes and the profound impact on civilians.

Latin America: The Conflict Spectrum

Latin America’s conflicts, particularly in Colombia and Mexico, involve not just political rebels but also powerful drug cartels, which Dr. Redealli notes are now recognized as non-international armed conflicts due to their organized and violent nature. This shift underscores the changing dynamics of global conflict, where non-traditional actors play increasingly significant roles.

Why It Matters

The underreporting of these conflicts in American media does a disservice to the global understanding of peace and security. It obscures the interconnected nature of these conflicts with global politics and hinders the comprehensive strategies needed to address them. By casting light on these overlooked areas, the hope is to foster a better-informed public that can advocate for meaningful change and support conflict resolution efforts worldwide.

This examination of the world’s hidden conflicts is a call to widen our lens and deepen our understanding of global affairs. It’s not just about recognizing the existence of these conflicts but understanding their nature, the human cost, and the global responsibility towards resolution and peace.

Source:

Dr. Chiara Redaelli, a Research Fellow at the Geneva Academy, specializes in International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Her dedication to IHL was catalyzed by her work with refugees in Bangladesh and China, leading her to pursue a Ph.D. in international law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. Postdoctoral pursuits at Harvard Law School deepened her focus on peace and aggression. Presently, she oversees the Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts (RULAC) project, which classifies global conflicts under IHL. Dr. Redaelli also shares her expertise as an adjunct professor in European and international universities. 

What You Never Hear About!

1. Middle East and North Africa (MENA):

• The conflict between Israel and Palestine often dominates news coverage, but there are many other issues in the region that go unreported.

• Beyond the frequently reported Syrian and Yemeni conflicts, regions like Western Sahara continue to experience significant turmoil. The political and armed struggle for sovereignty between Morocco and the Polisario Front persists, with tensions heightened by foreign involvement.

2. Africa: Numerous conflicts continue across the continent:

• Ethiopia remains embroiled in the Tigray conflict despite efforts toward ceasefire and peace.
• Nigeria faces a multifaceted crisis involving Boko Haram in the northeast and various militia conflicts in its northwestern regions.
• The Sahel region, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso, experiences ongoing insurgencies and jihadist activities that destabilize the region.

3. Asia:

• In Myanmar, the conflict between the military junta and various resistance groups intensifies, particularly in urban areas and the border regions.
• Afghanistan sees continued clashes between the Taliban and the Islamic State, as well as ongoing tensions with Pakistan along the border.

4. Europe:

• The Ukraine-Russia conflict remains the most significant in the region, with continuing battles in the eastern part of Ukraine and Crimea’s status still contentious.

5. Latin America:

• Mexico faces ongoing violence related to drug cartels, especially in regions like Michoacán and Guerrero.
• Colombia continues to struggle with the aftermath of its peace agreement with the FARC, facing challenges from splinter groups and other narcotic factions.

What Fuels These Conflicts:

The core reasons for many of the conflicts around the world are deeply intertwined with issues of power, money, and greed, which often exploit and manipulate religious, ethnic, and identity-based differences to gain or maintain control.

1. Power: Conflicts often arise from the struggle for political dominance within a country or region. This can be between competing domestic groups who vie for control of government, territory, or resources. Leaders or groups may use conflict as a means to consolidate or expand their power, often under the guise of political ideologies or national security.

2. Economic Interests: Many conflicts are fueled by economic motives. Control over valuable resources such as oil, minerals, or fertile land can lead to prolonged conflicts as different groups attempt to secure economic gain. These resources provide not only wealth but also a means to sustain military campaigns and ensure loyalty through economic incentives.

3. Greed: Personal and collective greed often plays a significant role in driving conflicts. This can manifest through corrupt practices where leaders and influential groups benefit personally from ongoing strife, leveraging the state’s resources and foreign aid to enrich themselves instead of addressing the needs of their people.

4. Religious and Ethnic Manipulation: Religion and ethnicity are powerful identity markers that can be manipulated to foster conflict. Leaders and interest groups may exacerbate or invent religious or ethnic differences to mobilize support and justify aggression against opposing groups. By framing conflicts as existential or moral battles, they can rally larger segments of the population to their cause.

5. Identity Politics: The use of identity politics can create divisions and heighten existing tensions. In many regions, historical grievances and perceived injustices based on ethnic, linguistic, or cultural differences are leveraged by opportunistic leaders to fuel nationalist sentiments or secessionist movements.

Final Word:

These core causes are not mutually exclusive and often overlap in complex and dynamic ways within conflict zones. Understanding these underlying reasons is crucial for addressing the root causes of conflicts and developing effective strategies for peace and reconciliation.

In the mosaic of today’s global conflicts, the interplay of power, economy, and identity continues to weave a complex tapestry of strife. From the heightened tensions in Eastern Europe to the longstanding turmoil in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, each conflict carries the imprint of superpower influence—whether it be the strategic maneuvers of Russia in Ukraine, the economic subtleties of China, or the defense aid of the United States. These conflicts, while geographically and politically distinct, share common threads: the pursuit of power, the lure of resources, and the potent forces of national and religious identity.

Amidst this intricate global landscape, the importance of clear, factual reporting cannot be overstated. It is through the lens of understanding and awareness that the international community can hope to address these conflicts—not as distant skirmishes but as pressing humanitarian crises that call for a concerted and compassionate response. As this article concludes, let it be a reminder of the ongoing need for engagement, dialogue, and a relentless pursuit of peace in a world where the echoes of conflict reach far and wide.