Modern conflicts

What was the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989)?

A Cold War conflict where the USSR invaded Afghanistan; U.S.-backed mujahideen resisted. It weakened the USSR and contributed to its collapse.

What caused the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988)?

Border disputes and religious/political differences; Saddam Hussein feared Iran’s Islamic Revolution would spread.

What was the Gulf War (1990–1991)?

A U.S.-led coalition liberated Kuwait after Iraq invaded; showcased high-tech warfare and U.S. military dominance.

What sparked the Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001)?

Ethnic and nationalist tensions after the breakup of Yugoslavia, leading to brutal civil wars in Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo.

What were the Rwandan Genocide and Civil War (1994)?

Hutu extremists killed ~800,000 Tutsis in 100 days; a UN failure and major human rights disaster.

What was the War on Terror (post-2001)?

U.S.-led global campaign after 9/11 attacks to combat terrorism, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq.

What caused the Afghanistan War (2001–2021)?

Response to 9/11; U.S. overthrew the Taliban but struggled to stabilize the country. Taliban returned after U.S. withdrawal.

What were the key outcomes of the Iraq War (2003–2011)?

U.S. ousted Saddam Hussein over false WMD claims; led to instability, civil war, and rise of ISIS.

What is the Syrian Civil War (2011–ongoing)?

Began during the Arab Spring; Assad regime vs. rebels, with involvement from ISIS, Russia, Iran, U.S., and Turkey.

What was ISIS (Islamic State)?

A jihadist group that seized parts of Syria and Iraq (2014–2019), declaring a caliphate. Defeated but remnants remain.

What is the Israel–Palestine conflict?

Ongoing dispute over land, sovereignty, and rights between Israelis and Palestinians, rooted in the 20th century.

What caused the Russia-Ukraine War (2014–ongoing)?

Russia annexed Crimea (2014), then launched a full invasion in 2022; led to global sanctions and massive destruction.

What is the conflict in Sudan (Darfur + Civil Wars)?

Ethnic and political violence leading to genocide in Darfur (2003), and continued instability after South Sudan's independence (2011).

What are the key causes of modern civil wars?

Ethnic/religious tensions, poverty, weak governments, foreign interference, and access to resources.

What are "proxy wars"?

Conflicts where major powers support different sides indirectly (e.g., U.S. and Russia in Syria).

What is hybrid warfare?

A blend of traditional combat, cyberattacks, misinformation, and economic pressure (e.g., Russia’s tactics in Ukraine).

What is terrorism in the modern era?

Non-state violence targeting civilians for political or religious purposes (e.g., Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram).

What are the effects of modern conflicts on civilians?

Refugee crises, famine, trauma, disrupted education, and human rights abuses.

What is peacekeeping?

UN-led or international missions to stabilize post-conflict zones (e.g., in Congo, Mali, Cyprus).