Global Chaos: ‘Warlords’ Take Power as Wars Spread, Report Warns

Global Chaos: ‘Warlords’ Take Power as Wars Spread, Report Warns

A new study warns that powerful nations and armed groups are increasingly ignoring international law, with researchers describing a global rise of "warlords" seizing power through military force without legal checks.

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The latest annual Peace Report, compiled by German researchers, paints a grim picture of a world where global rules are being abandoned. The study highlights that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, combined with conflicts in the Middle East and civil wars across Africa, signals a dangerous trend [169876]. The authors warn that this is not limited to a few regions but is a worldwide phenomenon, calling for stronger international action to stop the spread of unchecked violence [169876].

This breakdown of order is most visible in the war in Ukraine. European nations are now moving to lead peace efforts as the United States takes a back seat, with countries from Britain to the Baltic states signaling their involvement in ceasefire talks [169569]. On the ground, Ukraine is increasing attacks on fuel depots and supply routes in Russian-controlled areas, worsening a fuel crisis for the Kremlin and weakening Russia’s ability to move troops and equipment [169625].

Inside Russia, the war is also driving a shift in governance. The Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the Soviet KGB and the agency where Vladimir Putin once trained, has grown more powerful, now controlling key parts of military and political decisions [161656][163713][163113]. The FSB’s expanding reach includes shutting down the internet, running propaganda in schools, and launching legal prosecutions against critics [161656][163713][163113]. Meanwhile, internet restrictions are fueling discontent among Russia’s wealthiest and most powerful citizens, with economist Alexandra Propenko stating that "the elites feel the state’s powerlessness to protect them" [169851].

The conflict is also straining Russia’s economy and military, leading some analysts to question whether the prolonged war could lead to political change in Russia [169738]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the war is turning in his country’s favor, stating that Russia is "losing the initiative each day" [169738].

Beyond Ukraine, the West’s divided approach is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin an advantage. The United States and its European allies are taking different paths on Belarus, with the US taking a firm approach while Europe adopts a softer line [167180]. This split weakens the Western position, allowing Putin to play the US and Europe against each other and reducing the chances of real change in Belarus, a key base for Russian military operations [167180]. Similarly, Russia is using sanctions, disinformation, and open threats to prevent Armenia from moving closer to Europe and the United States [167835].

Sources

Global Chaos: 'Warlords' Take Power as Wars Spread, Report Warns #169876Ukraine war: Could Putin lose power? #169738Russian Elites Feel State’s Weakness, Economist Says #169851Ukraine strikes disrupt Russian fuel supply in occupied areas #169625Europe pushes for Ukraine peace as US steps back #169569Putin uses threats and sanctions to stop Armenia from leaving Russia #167835US and Europe clash over Belarus. Putin gains. #167180Putin’s war puts spy agency FSB in charge of Russia #161656Putin’s war puts spy agency FSB in charge of Russia #163713Putin’s war puts spy agency FSB in charge of Russia #163113

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