Conflict is a powerful force that, when handled in a healthy way, can bring people together. However, when it’s not dealt with effectively, it can lead to rifts and even break-ups. Whether it’s an argument with a friend or a dispute at work, conflicts are an inevitable part of life that we must learn to deal with. This article outlines some surprising benefits of conflict and how to approach disagreements in a productive manner.

1. Conflict can reveal your character’s strengths.

When a protagonist faces opposition, it forces them to try and overcome the challenge. Typically, this opposition comes in the form of an antagonist. In fiction writing, this is often a villain, but it can be anyone or anything that thwarts the protagonist’s main desire. The stronger these forces of antagonism are, the more well-developed the protagonist becomes.

2. Conflict can teach you more about yourself.

One of the most valuable lessons that conflict can teach you is how to recognize and handle your emotions. When you are able to express your feelings without becoming angry or defensive, it can increase your self-awareness and improve your ability to understand other people. Additionally, conflict can help you develop thicker skin. You may hear things about yourself that are not true, but learning to let them roll off your back will allow you to have more peace of mind.

3. Conflict can result in better problem-solving skills.

Conflict enables people to explore different perspectives and alternatives that can lead to creative solutions. This is why it’s important to allow for healthy debate in the workplace. If everyone feels safe to share their opinions and ideas, they will be able to find unique solutions that address all factors involved in a situation.

4. Conflict can boost job satisfaction.

While many people dread the idea of confrontation at work, it can actually lead to higher job satisfaction. When you’re able to constructively disagree with your colleagues, it shows that you care about the outcome of a project and you’re willing to put in the effort to reach an agreement.

5. Conflict can inspire positive change.

If you’re not satisfied with a certain aspect of your life, conflict can be the catalyst you need to make changes. It can help you pinpoint the issue, come up with ways to resolve it, and ultimately feel empowered to take action.

6. Conflict is necessary for growth.

There are many reasons why people become stuck in their current position, including fear of losing status or approval, lack of trust, and a fear of being judged by others. Having the courage to face conflict can help you grow as a person and get to know your co-workers on a more personal level.

When dealing with conflict, it’s important to remember that there is always more than one way to see a situation. Focus on the underlying concerns of each individual rather than their positions to find a solution. This can be done by enlisting the help of a mediator who is not from either group and whom both parties trust to be fair.

War is violence between states, armed factions within a state, non-declared wars by guerilla groups or other such organizations outside the control of the state, and armed conflict with civilians. It is a terrible and destructive event for the soldiers engaged in it, for the people of the country involved, and for humanity as a whole. The human cost of war – both the direct deaths caused by fighting and the indirect deaths resulting from the disruption of food production, water supply, sanitation, healthcare and the spread of diseases such as cholera – is immense and is likely to be the greatest in human history.

Contemporary theories of war divide into two broad schools: those that attribute its origin to man’s innate psychological and biological drives (e.g. ethologists drawing on analogies with animal behaviour), and those that attribute it to particular social relations and institutions. The latter school includes optimists and pessimists concerning its preventability.

A significant aspect of the nature of war is that, in addition to requiring military force to engage in it, there are strong social incentives not to fight. Nations are aware of the enormous costs of fighting and do everything they can to avoid open war. This fact makes the results of a war all the more tragic.

Although war has evolved enormously over the centuries, there are a number of fundamental continuities. The main ones are: the need to contend, bellicosity, chance and friction, a cognitive element that is based on the ability to assess relative power, and the capacity to use a range of resources to create a strategic advantage.

It is also important to remember that war is not simply a military conflict; it is a political, economic and cultural struggle. The latter inevitably involves a struggle to define and enforce social norms, particularly those relating to sexual and reproductive rights. This explains why there are always controversies over the right to abortion, contraception and homosexual marriage – even when they are not directly related to the cause of a war.

There is also a constant reminder that a war, regardless of its justification or its prosecution, inevitably diverts resources away from the more pressing needs of a population. This is especially true when it is fought between countries that have the means to produce nuclear weapons. It is, in effect, a theft from those who are hungry, malnourished and sick. In this sense it is perhaps a crime against humanity as a whole. This is a powerful insight because it means that, whatever the causes of a war, every gun that is fired and bomb that is dropped is a theft from those who are dying from hunger, disease and starvation. That is why there are so many calls for a ban on war.

The world war of 1914 to 1918 involved most of the world’s major powers. It was a global conflict that began in Europe but spread to Africa and Asia and even into the oceans as submarine warfare became common. It was a result of many trends including nationalism, increased militarism and imperial rivalry and competition for power.

A series of events led to the outbreak of war in Europe in early August 1914. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalists triggered an escalation of tensions between the Austro-Hungarian and Russian empires. Then Germany invaded neutral Belgium on their way to France, provoking Britain to join the conflict. The Allied and Central Powers had vastly different demographic, industrial and military resources, which created the basis for the rival system of opposing alliances that developed over the previous 35 years.

Imperialism fueled the war as many of the warring nations had colonies that contributed troops to their mother countries, which sought to expand their territory and control over raw materials. In addition, a new technology of aircraft opened up the possibility of air warfare.

By the end of the war, more than 65 million men volunteered or were conscripted to fight in mass citizen armies. Millions of civilians also contributed to the war effort by working in factories or on farms and in support services, such as food and supplies for the fighting forces. This was a brutal and deadly war that lasted four years and left an indelible mark on the planet.

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and support for Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, U.S.-Russian relations have plunged to their lowest point in modern history. In this new kind of war, Moscow’s naked aggression shows that it has no regard for human rights, nations’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, or the democratic choice of their people. It is clear that Vladimir Putin has imperial ambitions, and the transatlantic community must learn to counter them.

The US military’s globe-spanning force would clobber the Russian military in any toe-to-toe conventional fight, but modern wars are often not like that. In a war over territory, geography and terrain, one side’s advantage will be determined by a multitude of factors that cannot be readily accounted for by the conventional military balance of power.

Nevertheless, the US retains the advantages of superior technology and global reach that make it the world’s leading power. The US spends nearly 10 times more on defense than Russia. Among the world’s superpowers, the USA leads in research size and labor research productivity in all but five fields (Entomology; Physics, condensed matter; Materials science, characterization & testing; and Metallurgy & metallurgical engineering). These results suggest that the gap is due to the fact that the USA researchers have more funding, or because Russian journals do not receive as much coverage in WoS. Regardless, Americans remain deeply negative toward Russia: Older adults, Democrats and those who think the U.S. should take into account the interests of other countries are all more likely to have very unfavorable opinions of Russia.

A former Soviet republic, Ukraine is now a democratic, pro-Western state. It shares borders with Belarus, Russia and Poland to the north; with Slovakia and Hungary to the west; and Romania and Moldova to the south. Ukraine is a rich country with natural resources including oil, natural gas and iron ore. It is also a major producer of winter wheat and sugar beets. Its central belt has chernozems, the most fertile soils in the world.

The capital of Ukraine is Kiev (Kyiv), a fascinating city with a rich historical and cultural heritage and a bustling modern metropolis. Ukraine is also a beautiful country with picturesque landscapes, mountain ranges and the Black Sea coastline.

In recent years, Ukraine has been plagued with political unrest. The government of president Viktor YANUKOVYCH has been accused of corruption, and a three-month protest occupation of the main square in the capital, Kyiv, led to pitched battles, scores of deaths and international condemnation. The government eventually relented and agreed to a deal with the EU, bringing new elections in the spring of 2014.

Among Ukraine’s many culinary treasures are some of Europe’s most delicious food. Some of these foods are enjoyed not just in Ukraine, but well beyond its borders, and are among the country’s most important culinary traditions.

Borscht is one of the most beloved dishes in all of Ukraine, and indeed across Eastern Europe and much of the rest of the world. This beet soup is not only delicious, but it’s healthy and full of antioxidants. Served cold, it can be refreshing in the summer and comforting in the winter. It can be garnished with sour cream, grated cucumber, or pieces of carrots and beets.

Another very popular dish is salo, a smoked meat spread similar to corned beef or pastrami. It’s a staple at Ukrainian bars and restaurants, and it can be found in many other Slavic countries as well.

A traditional Ukrainian soup, kapusniak, is made with five key ingredients: meat, eggs, potatoes, sauerkraut and mayonnaise. The soup can be eaten throughout the year, but it’s particularly popular for weddings, funerals and Christmas dinners.

During the Holy Supper (Sviat Vechir) on Ukrainian Christmas Eve, the korovai is a centerpiece of the table. This bread is braided strains of dough and shaped into a circle to resemble a wreath, and it’s traditionally given as a gift to the newly married couple.

A great vodka, Pristine, is a smooth vodka with a good balance of flavor, including spice and a bit of sweetness. It’s aged in wooden barrels, which adds some nice earthiness to the mixture. It’s sold in over 80 countries, so you’re likely to find a bottle in your area.

Russia is a massive country with a wealth of natural resources, including huge reserves of oil and gas. This richness has not always translated into a good life for the Russian people, however, and Russia’s forbidding climate, with its long cold winters that have several times saved the country from foreign invaders, adds to the difficulties of daily life.

Northern Russia borders the Arctic Ocean, which swoops frigid air masses south across the continent each winter. These conditions, combined with Russia’s high latitude, make it difficult to grow crops and have historically resulted in a relatively short growing season. Mountains to the south block summer rains and warm air masses that would otherwise come from Central Asia, resulting in deserts and steppes.

The Russian economy has diversified since the fall of the Soviet Union, but its primary economic base remains heavy industry and energy production. The Russian government is focused on modernizing the economy, and the country has been investing heavily in its infrastructure. A large number of universities are being built to keep up with the demand for education.

A knowledge of Russian is helpful for visiting the country, and even a basic grasp of the language will help you communicate with the people. Many Russians can speak some English, and some even prefer to communicate in this language. The vast majority of Russians are Orthodox Christians.

Russian culture combines elements of Eastern Europe and Western civilization. Its history dates back to the early medieval state of Kievan Rus, whose religion was influenced by Byzantine Christianity. It was not considered part of mainstream Europe until the reign of Czar Peter the Great in the eighteenth century, when he set out to transform Russia into a major European power. His efforts included moving the capital from St. Petersburg (later renamed Leningrad) to Moscow.

Throughout its history, Russia has been wracked by political crises. The tsarist system of autocracy and rule by nobles was not conducive to the country’s needs, and the 1905 revolution led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the formation of a provisional government. In 1917, two more revolutions swept away the provisional government and replaced it with the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin.

Today’s Russia is a multiethnic and heterogeneous nation of more than 150 ethnic and indigenous languages. Its diverse cultures have helped to shape the country’s unique personality and make it an appealing destination for tourists. In addition to the many different regional and national cuisines, Russia is also known for its beautiful architecture and renowned classical music and ballet. The country’s many cultural centers attract visitors from around the world. The Russian population is very urban, with about 73.7 percent living in cities. The rest live in rural areas and in the far reaches of the country.

Liberal vs Democrat is a common topic for political discussion, but these terms can be confusing. The terms can have different meanings based on the context in which they are used. It’s important to understand the nuances of these terms so that you can better understand the political discourse in America.

Generally speaking, the term “liberal” refers to someone who believes in social welfare and government intervention to promote equality. However, this is a broad view that can include many ideas and viewpoints.

In a political context, a Democrat is a member of the Democratic Party, which is one of two major parties in the United States. Democrats usually have progressive views and tend to support a wide range of social welfare policies, including universal healthcare, free college tuition, and environmental protection. Many Democrats also have progressive social beliefs, including supporting same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

Conservatives on the other hand, typically have more hawkish views and tend to have more traditional values. They may be opposed to the expansion of social welfare programs and believe in limiting government intervention in the economy. They are usually more supportive of business ownership, labor unions, and the military.

It’s worth noting that the terms liberal and Democrat are not mutually exclusive and that an individual can be both or neither of these things. For instance, an independent or third-party candidate could be described as liberal on social issues but have more hawkish views on foreign policy.

World News is the general term for a subfield of journalism that covers events beyond the borders of individual nation-states. It includes stories about international political affairs, foreign wars, peacekeeping efforts and summits of multilateral organizations. It may also cover other global issues, such as natural disasters and epidemics. It is distinct from the more specialized field of national news (the focus on domestic politics and policy), although some national journalists often report world events, especially when they are covering wars in their own countries or other major events such as elections abroad.

The first newspaper articles were local, but the advent of telecommunications such as the telegraph allowed news to be disseminated more widely and quickly. By the early 19th century, most newspapers were reporting world events. The term “world news” was originally used to distinguish these international stories from purely local news, which still predominated in many places, and the more specific distinction of “national news” was not yet established. The main types of reporters engaged in world news are the correspondent (full-time reporter stationed overseas), the special envoy (sent to a particular region or event for a set period) and the journalist who focuses on an area but is not a full-time resident.

As Israel’s Gaza war rages and the death toll passes 20,000, diplomacy continues for a possible ceasefire. Meanwhile, the UN’s top human rights official urges all sides to respect humanitarian law and ensure safe delivery of aid.

Science, crime, medicine, archaeology, nature — these are just some of the topics that fall under the heading of interesting news. From the discovery of a previously unknown human ancestor to an intriguing theory about how the pyramids were built, these stories tell us more about our world and our place in it.

At WORLD, we believe it is important to inform our audiences of what’s happening in the world and how God is at work. Through our print magazine, online articles and podcast programs, our trained journalists keep listeners informed on current events that matter — with sound journalism grounded in fact and biblical truth. In doing so, we hope to empower you to pray and act on the news you hear. You can support our work by donating today. Thank you! It is through your generosity that we can continue our mission of delivering sound journalism to those who are hungry for it. Your gift enables us to reach more people, teach them how to think for themselves and encourage them to live their faith in a complicated world.

The Kremlin’s war against Ukraine has sparked the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. It has touched off a process toward NATO expansion, and caused economic hardship far from the epicenter of fighting. It has also sparked a massive movement toward nationalist and populist parties in Russia. And it has unleashed an unsettling new era of Russian propaganda.

Nine months into Russia’s war against Ukraine, its outcome remains uncertain. But it seems clear that the Kremlin has a hard time taking Kyiv or occupying a large part of Ukraine, and that Ukrainian forces have enjoyed some success on the battlefield. And despite a campaign of missile strikes against power, heat, and water utilities, Ukrainians have resisted the Russian attempt to create a humanitarian catastrophe.

Russia’s war against Ukraine has triggered a geopolitical realignment, but it is not yet winning. The Kremlin’s strategy of armed aggression has been hampered by Western diplomatic and economic pressure. Economic sanctions have significantly reduced the risk of a full-scale invasion and forced Russia to take up the Minsk talks. The removal of these sanctions would be a grave mistake.

Amid these challenges, a brave band of Ukraine’s soldiers, police officers, and volunteers continue to stand firm against Russian aggression and to defend the country’s independence. They face terrifying ordeals and often repressive punishment for their courage. Millions of Ukrainians have rejected the anti-Ukrainian project of Russia’s leaders, including in Crimea and in parts of eastern Ukraine, where people voted to preserve their historic choice.

World news is news that covers international affairs or global issues. It is a term used in journalism to describe news sent by foreign correspondents or, more commonly, news gathered and reported through distance communication technologies such as the telephone, radio, and television broadcasts and the Internet. A news agency or a wire service is an organization of journalists established to supply news reports, usually in the form of raw data, to newspaper and magazine editors and radio and television broadcasters. Often, the vast bulk of the material produced by major news agencies contains world news, or foreign news.

In a dramatic end to an already-tumultuous year, President Putin faces one of the most public challenges to his leadership. Meanwhile, Israeli troops push deeper into Gaza and Palestinian hostages remain in Israel’s hands. The White House is in serious negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage swap with the group Hamas. And scientists in Iceland warn that new vents could open, releasing more lava and toxic gases.

WORLD readers and listeners are thoughtful believers who want to competently talk about the news with others, draw their own conclusions, and be compelled to act—lead by the Spirit—in light of what they learn. They believe that the truth demands a biblical context and are often emboldened to pray, love, and serve others in light of what they hear. You can perpetuate their valuable work by subscribing to WORLD and making a tax-deductible donation.