10 Conflicts to Watch in 2025: Trump’s Return and a World on Edge

Category: Global News Hub | Boncopia.com

As 2025 unfolds, the world is a tinderbox of escalating tensions, fragile ceasefires, and shifting power dynamics. The return of Donald Trump as the 47th U.S. President adds a layer of unpredictability to an already volatile global stage. Known for his disruptive style, Trump’s second term promises to reshape how the U.S. engages with conflicts—from the Middle East to Asia and beyond. Will change come through bold deals or by force of arms? In this post, we dive into the 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2025, analyzing their stakes, Trump’s potential impact, and what it means for global stability. Buckle up—it’s going to be a bumpy year.

1. Israel-Palestine: Gaza’s Fragile Ceasefire

The Israel-Hamas conflict, sparked by the October 7, 2023, attack, has left Gaza in ruins and displaced millions. A tentative ceasefire is under discussion in Qatar, but Israel’s potential military presence in Gaza and Trump’s unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could derail progress. Trump has warned Hamas to release hostages or face “ALL HELL TO PAY,” yet he’s also criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the war. What to Watch: Will Trump push for a lasting truce or greenlight further escalation?

2. Russia-Ukraine: A War Without End

Three years into Russia’s invasion, Ukraine faces relentless assaults, with Russian forces gaining ground in the east. Trump’s campaign promise to end the war “in 24 hours” now seems dubious as North Korean troops bolster Russia’s ranks and Ukraine uses Western-supplied missiles to strike inside Russia. Trump’s push for a ceasefire may pressure Europe to take the lead, but any deal ceding Ukrainian territory could embolden Moscow. What to Watch: Can Trump broker peace, or will his threats to cut U.S. aid force Ukraine’s hand?

3. Syria: Post-Assad Chaos

The sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 has plunged Syria into uncertainty. Islamist rebels now control Damascus, but Turkey’s tensions with Kurdish-led SDF forces in the northeast risk new violence. The U.S. maintains a small presence to counter Islamic State remnants, but Trump’s hints at withdrawal could destabilize the region further. What to Watch: Will Trump disengage, or will he back Turkey’s ambitions in Syria?

4. U.S.-China: Trade Wars and Taiwan Tensions

U.S.-China relations, stabilized briefly after a 2023 Biden-Xi summit, face turbulence with Trump’s return. His plan for 60% tariffs on Chinese goods could spark economic retaliation, while flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea remain precarious. Some in Trump’s cabinet view China as an existential threat, while others, like Elon Musk, push for détente. What to Watch: Will Trump’s trade brinkmanship escalate into military miscalculation?

5. Sudan: A Humanitarian Catastrophe

Sudan’s civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has killed thousands and displaced millions since 2023. Failed ceasefires and regional spillover into Ethiopia and Eritrea complicate peace efforts. Trump’s focus on domestic priorities may limit U.S. humanitarian aid, leaving the EU and Turkey to mediate. What to Watch: Can external mediators halt Sudan’s slide into chaos without U.S. support?

6. Afghanistan-Pakistan: Militant Resurgence

The Taliban’s 2021 return to power in Afghanistan has fueled insurgent activity spilling into Pakistan, where economic and political woes amplify instability. Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province in December 2024 highlight rising tensions. Trump’s past role in the U.S. withdrawal may shape his approach, but his focus on “America First” could limit engagement. What to Watch: Will Trump ignore this volatile region, or will he target cross-border militancy?

7. Lebanon-Israel: Hezbollah’s Fragile Truce

A 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, set to expire days into Trump’s term, holds despite violations. Israel’s strikes have weakened Hezbollah, but Iran’s backing ensures its resilience. Trump’s pro-Israel stance may embolden further Israeli action, risking a wider conflict. What to Watch: Can Trump extend the ceasefire, or will he back Israel’s push against Iran’s proxies?

8. North Korea-South Korea: Border Skirmishes

Tensions along the Korean Peninsula are spiking, with North Korea’s trash-laden balloons and military ties to Russia provoking South Korea’s propaganda operations. Trump’s past rapport with Kim Jong-un may lead to renewed talks, but Kim’s focus on arms control over denuclearization could complicate diplomacy. What to Watch: Will Trump’s deal-making charm Kim, or will skirmishes escalate?

9. Ethiopia: Ethnic and Regional Strife

Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, including clashes with the Fano militia and fraying peace deals with Tigray and Ogaden groups, threaten stability. Tensions with Somalia over Ethiopia’s Red Sea access add a regional dimension. Trump’s disinterest in African conflicts may leave Turkey and the EU to mediate. What to Watch: Can Ethiopia avoid collapse without U.S. attention?

10. Myanmar: Rakhine’s Rising Conflict

In Myanmar, the Arakan Army’s control of northern Rakhine State has displaced thousands and raised fears of Rohingya recruitment by armed groups. The junta’s weakening grip and Bangladesh’s border concerns complicate the crisis. Trump’s likely non-involvement leaves regional powers to address the fallout. What to Watch: Will Myanmar’s conflict spill over, or can neighbors contain it?

Trump’s Wild Card: Disruption or Diplomacy?

Trump’s return to the White House is a geopolitical earthquake. His “America First” doctrine, disdain for multilateral alliances, and penchant for deal-making could either defuse or ignite these conflicts. Posts on X reflect growing alarm: “Wars reigniting all over in early days of Trump administration,” one user noted, citing escalations in Ukraine, Gaza, and Kashmir. Yet, Trump’s unpredictability could be a strength—his willingness to bypass norms might open new diplomatic paths, as seen in his first-term outreach to North Korea.

However, miscalculation is a real risk. If Trump pushes too hard, rivals like China or Russia could test his resolve. If he weakens alliances, adversaries may exploit the vacuum. As philosopher John Gray argues, Trump’s return marks “the definitive end of a liberal world order,” forcing nations to arm themselves or align with rising powers. The question is whether Trump can navigate this fractured world without sparking a wider conflagration.

A World at a Crossroads

2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. From Gaza’s rubble to Ukraine’s battlefields, these 10 conflicts will test global resolve and Trump’s leadership. His administration inherits a world where norms are fraying, and belligerents pay less heed to civilian suffering. The stakes are high: diplomacy could yield breakthroughs, but missteps could plunge regions into chaos.

As we watch these flashpoints, one thing is clear: the world is primed for change. Whether it comes at the negotiating table or on the battlefield depends on the choices made in Washington and beyond. Stay tuned to Boncopia’s Global News Hub for updates on these unfolding crises.

Thought Questions:

1. Which of these conflicts do you think poses the greatest risk to global stability in 2025, and why?

2. Can Trump’s unconventional approach resolve any of these crises, or will his unpredictability make things worse?

3. How should the U.S. balance its “America First” priorities with the need to address global conflicts?