Gaza: From Cold War proxy battles to the post-9/11 era, the nature of conflicts over the past 25 years has undergone a significant transformation, analysts say. As the world heads into 2026, experts warn that wars are lasting longer, civilians are increasingly being targeted, and new technologies from unmanned aerial vehicles to information warfare are reshaping conflicts.
According to Anadolu Agency, the transition from the Cold War era to modern-day conflicts is marked by a shift in strategic priorities and methods. William Thomas Allison, a history professor at Georgia Southern University, highlights how the Cold War influenced conflicts from 1975 to 2000, with major powers preparing for large-scale combat while maintaining nuclear capabilities. The Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War exemplified these Cold War-era doctrines.
Suda Perera from the University of Sussex explains how the post-Cold War period saw the US promoting "liberal peacebuilding" globally. This approach leaned towards elections and free-market economics in conflict zones, aiming to end civil wars and build peace.
The turn of the millennium, especially post-9/11, has marked a new chapter in global conflicts. Perera emphasizes how the September 11 attacks redefined the landscape, placing the "war on terror" at the forefront. This led to US-led invasions in Afghanistan and Iraq, shifting the focus from humanitarian interventions to viewing conflict zones as direct threats.
Longer-lasting conflicts have become a defining feature of modern warfare. Perera notes that even when peace is declared, as in Iraq and Afghanistan, political instability persists. Allison adds that war termination is challenging, as seen in conflicts like Vietnam and Ukraine, with advancing technology potentially making wars easier to initiate.
Civilians increasingly find themselves in the crossfire of modern wars. Perera, referencing Mary Kaldor's work, notes that urban warfare in cities like Syria and Gaza contrasts sharply with traditional battlefield conflicts, leading to massive displacements.
Drones have revolutionized warfare, becoming a prominent tool since the war on terror. Perera and Allison discuss the evolution of drones from surveillance tools to lethal weapons, with conflicts like those in Ukraine showcasing their destructive potential.
Cyberattacks and information wars are rising, with incidents like Israel's 2024 cyber operations against Hezbollah highlighting the growing role of technology in conflicts. These tactics have intensified with the internet's spread, leading to increased state surveillance and global polarization.
Defense spending has surged amid global insecurity. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reports a continuous rise in military expenditure, with a 9.4% increase in 2024 alone. This spending, particularly in response to Russian and Chinese threats, has bolstered defense industries and absorbed economic discontent.
Finally, experts express concern over the erosion of wartime ethics. Perera and Allison note that while past atrocities sparked outrage, modern conflicts see diminished ethical considerations, with international laws struggling to keep pace with technological advancements.