December 19, 2025
Why is global conflict surging? On Ian Explains, Ian Bremmer takes a look at the major wars and armed struggles taking place in a world that’s becoming more fractured, more volatile, and increasingly defined by hostility. While there were some breakthroughs in 2025—a shaky ceasefire in Gaza, averting a possible war between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan—the fact is that right now, the world is experiencing nearly 60 wars and armed conflicts. The most since the end of World War II.
President Trump has called himself the “Peace President” and spent much of his diplomatic energy this year striking peace deals in some of the world’s crises, claiming to have solved “8 of the 9 wars.” But recent clashes on the Thailand-Cambodia border as well as renowned violence in eastern Congo have observers worried some of the White House deals may not stick. Meanwhile, fighting rages on in places like Sudan, Myanmar, the Red Sea, and Africa’s Sahel region. Are they isolated crises or symptoms of a global order breaking down?
GZERO World with Ian Bremmer, the award-winning weekly global affairs series, airs nationwide on US public television stations (check local listings).
New digital episodes of GZERO World are released every Monday on YouTube. Don't miss an episode: subscribe to GZERO's YouTube channel and turn on notifications (🔔).
More For You
A displaced woman holds an Iranian flag as she makes her way back to her home in southern Lebanon, on the highway of Sidon, Lebanon, June 16, 2026.
REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
On June 14, the US and Iran announced a deal to end the war. A signing ceremony is set for Friday. The terms include an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. With both sides spinning the deal as a victory, there are plenty of ways for this to go wrong.
Most Popular
Sponsored posts
The power of sports
Walmart sponsored posts
Walmart’s $1 billion investment is strengthening associate careers
What's Good Wednesdays
What’s Good Wednesday: June 17, 2026
- YouTube
In this episode of "ask ian," Ian Bremmer looks at what the rise of Elon Musk as the world’s first trillionaire reveals about wealth, innovation, and the future of the American Dream.
As AI reshapes the future of work, its impact will depend on the choices we make today. In this new blog, Brad Smith reflects on how graduates are calling for technology that supports human judgment, expands opportunity, and strengthens the role of people in shaping the future. As AI adoption accelerates, the focus must remain on building skills, creating meaningful work, and ensuring its benefits are broadly shared across society. Read the full blog here.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a news conference, following a US-Iran deal, in Jerusalem, June 15, 2026.
REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/Pool
Israeli PM Netanyahu was already struggling in polls ahead of elections later this year, but his situation might get worse after Washington and Tehran agreed to a deal (pending its signing on Friday). Why the issue with ending the war?
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.