May 8, 2023 marks 78 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe - VE Day. While the conflict which claimed millions of lives on European soil is firmly committed to the annals of history, war in the East of the continent is still a harsh reality in the present day.
As data collection by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows, a substantial portion of the globe is still engulfed in some form of conflict. This infographic shows countries in which there have been reports of armed clashes involving state forces and/or rebel groups in 2023. Even as early as April 28, and using this simplified definition, the presence of war across the world is extensive.