Concerns over the prevalence of global violence have been articulated by public figures, with one social media user, Arthur MacWaters, recently describing September 2025 as a "dark September" characterized by "true evil." MacWaters' tweet, which garnered significant attention, questioned the possibility of addressing such widespread conflict and suggested that reactions to the situation serve as a "rorschach test" for individuals' awareness.
The sentiment expressed by MacWaters resonates amidst a global landscape marked by numerous persistent and escalating conflicts. Reports from organizations like Crisis Group and ACLED Data indicate that major crises continue to unfold across various regions. These include the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has seen intensified strikes on energy infrastructure, and the devastating conflict in Sudan, leading to widespread displacement and acute food shortages.
Further contributing to the global instability are the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with continued military operations and significant humanitarian impact in Gaza, and the deepening crisis in Haiti, where gang violence has displaced hundreds of thousands and severely impacted daily life. Other flashpoints highlighted in recent analyses for 2025 include the civil war in Myanmar and escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. These situations collectively underscore a period of profound geopolitical unrest.
The emotional tone of MacWaters' tweet, particularly the assertion that "people cheering for this have true darkness in their hearts," reflects a broader public anguish over the human cost of these conflicts. Experts and analysts frequently point to the interconnected nature of these crises, suggesting that local events can have far-reaching international implications. The challenges in achieving sustainable peace in these regions remain substantial, with many conflicts appearing to be far from resolution.