1. Many new wars are civil wars involving non-state actors, as opposed to the majority of old wars being fought between states.
2. Identity is often the most prominent cause of new wars, whereas old wars were often fought between states over territory or ideology.
3. Asymmetrical nature. Most new wars which involve non-state actors are highly unbalanced in terms of weaponry and man power. This is often the case with insurgent and guerrilla groups.
4. Civilian/military distinction blurred. As previously mentioned, combatants often blend in with civilians, and in many cases, civilians are deliberately targeted which was not the case in many old wars.
5. Many would argue that new wars are far more brutal and barbaric than old wars. The use of guerrilla tactics by insurgent groups and violent acts such as beheadings and suicide tactics by groups like ISIL can seem to make new wars far bloodier.
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