Conflict
‘Agreeing to disagree’ is hurting your relationships – here’s what to do instead
‘Agreeing to disagree’ is hurting your relationships – here’s what to do instead Agreeing to disagree can actually hurt relationships by avoiding important conversations and creating estrangement from loved ones. No relationship is immune to conflict, but some topics, such as “no-go” topics, can trigger intense disagreements if not addressed. Conversational tools like looping and […]
🏛️ Politics
50 years later, Vietnam’s environment still bears the scars of war – and signals a dark future for Gaza and Ukraine
50 years later, Vietnam’s environment still bears the scars of war – and signals a dark future for Gaza and Ukraine The Vietnam War had devastating environmental consequences, including widespread deforestation, pollution, and contamination of soil and water. The US government initially denied responsibility for Agent Orange cleanup, but eventually agreed to remediate contaminated sites […]
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Tensions over Kashmir and a warming planet have placed the Indus Waters Treaty on life support
Tensions over Kashmir and a warming planet have placed the Indus Waters Treaty on life support The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has been criticized for its failure to address key issues such as climate change, groundwater management, and Kashmir’s role in water distribution. The treaty only addresses surface water distribution and does not […]
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Memes and conflict: Study shows surge of imagery and fakes can precede international and political violence
Memes and conflict: Study shows surge of imagery and fakes can precede international and political violence A recent study by William Theisen et al. found that a surge of manipulated images and memes on social media can precede international and political violence, serving as strong indicators of coming mass violence. The researchers analyzed nearly 6 […]
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How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia
How the small autonomous region of Puntland found success in battling Islamic State in Somalia Puntland, a small autonomous region in Somalia, has successfully battled Islamic State (IS) in Somalia, taking back several areas from the group’s control as part of Operation Hilaac. The Puntland Defense Forces, supported by international partners including the US and […]
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In Israel, calls for genocide have migrated from the margins to the mainstream
In Israel, calls for genocide have migrated from the margins to the mainstream A Palestinian woman cries while sitting on the rubble of her home, which was destroyed in an Israeli strike on March 18, 2025. Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images Thirty years ago in Israel, advocating for genocide could land you in prison. In […]
🏛️ Politics
Sudan’s civil war: What military advances mean, and where the country could be heading next
Sudan’s civil war: What military advances mean, and where the country could be heading next A Sudanese man celebrates as the military enters the central city of Wad Madani, pushing out the Rapid Support Forces in January 2025. AP Photo/Marwan Ali A series of advances by the Sudanese military has led some observers to posit […]
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Myanmar’s civil war: How shifting US-Russia ties could tip balance and hand China a greater role
Myanmar’s civil war: How shifting US-Russia ties could tip balance and hand China a greater role Myanmar's civil war involves a range of different ethnic groups fighting the military. Thierry Falise/LightRocket via Getty Images While the United States talked military assistance and minerals with Ukraine, Russia did the same with one of its few remaining […]
🏛️ Politics
The Gaza ceasefire is dead − Israeli domestic politics killed it
The Gaza ceasefire is dead − Israeli domestic politics killed it Buildings and a ceasefire left in ruins after airstrikes on March 18, 2025. Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images The ceasefire in Gaza appears to be over. And while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to blame Hamas for the resumption of fighting that […]
🏛️ Politics
How power imbalance, misread signs and strategic blunders clouded Hamas’ judgment over Gaza ceasefire
How power imbalance, misread signs and strategic blunders clouded Hamas’ judgment over Gaza ceasefire In late February 2025, senior Hamas leader and ex-chairman of its politburo, Mousa Abu Marzouk, said he would not have supported Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel had he known how destructive Israel’s response would have been. That remarkably frank […]
🏛️ Politics