80. Mode rn conventional rrarfare is extrenely destructive. There have been quantum advances in the firepouer anC mobil.ity of nodern convenBional forces. Widespreadresort to soPhislicated conventional neaponry in densely populated areas $ouldcertainly result in casualEies and destruction of unprecedented proportions. Any conventional conflict between nuclear-arrned nations, or betseen naliona allied to opposing nuclear Por.ers, sould contain the seed6 of eacalation to nuclearconfrontatlon. Many nodern neapon systens, such as sone artlllery and fighteraircraft' have a duaL capability. They can be used to fire eiEher conventional or nuclear ordnance. It is posslble that the nuclear pot'ers sometineg co-locate bobh types of Gapona with their forces in the field. As a result, there is a risk of nuclear rar by escalation fron a conventional war. 81. l{ar has resulted in an extraordinary toII in llves and hunan suffering. IE has been estimated tbat there have probably been over 150 arned conflicEa aince L945. y The average duration of such uars has been Ehree and one-half years. Estimates of casualties lron aII wars fought since 1945 range beEneen 16 and 25 t0tllion killed. In addition Co actual deaths and hunan suffering, lhe costa of conventional rars nust be neasured in terns of the destruction of econonicinfrastructure, Iost educational opportunitieg and damage Eo prospects for econonicgronth. Recent cars have produced the larges! waves of refugees in ltpdern tiroes, a wave comPrlsed PrincipaLly of Bonen and children. By the estinates of the United Nations Eigh Commissioner for Refugees, the refugee population norld-wide nowtotals sone eight nillion. Millions nore, for whon no accurate count is Possibtre; may be displaced within their own countrles. 82. The conventional arns race is extremely costly, accounting, lt is generally- believeal, for roughly 80 per cent of global nilitsary spendi.ng as indicated in tbe
**Analysis**
The text discusses the destructive nature of conventional warfare, its impact on human lives, and the economic costs associated with it. It also touches on the risk of nuclear escalation and the displacement of people. These themes suggest that the text is primarily focused on the consequences of war and its effects on human societies.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations