World news is the name of a branch of journalism that deals with international stories and events. This field is sometimes referred to as foreign coverage or, in the US, global news. In the US, it is sometimes hard to draw a clear line between world news and national news — especially when it comes to events such as wars in which the country is involved or summits of multilateral organizations in which the country is a member.

The year 2023 has been an eventful one in many ways, with a dramatic collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and a Russian-led invasion of Ukraine. Other major developments included a rebuke from the European Union for Russia’s support of separatists in eastern Ukraine and a rash of murders in the capital that left researchers perplexed. Other notable natural disasters included the fifth deadliest earthquake of the century and Cyclone Freddy, which was the most destructive tropical cyclone to hit Mozambique since records began.

A world news story is usually reported by a correspondent who is based in a foreign city, or even an entire continent. He or she regularly files stories to the news editor based on information he or she receives from local officials, members of the community and other sources. A good world news reporter is a master of interviewing techniques and maintains relationships with government agencies and diplomats. A well-established network of contacts makes it easier to gather information about a developing story.

War is the intentional and violent effort by nation-states and non-state actors to impose their will over others. This definition of war – distinct from the OED’s and Clausewitz’s straitjackets – includes international (global) and non-international (non-declared) conflict, guerrilla and terrorist actions as well as conventional battles between state actors.

This definition also recognises that the cause of war may not be a specific act or event, but rather an accumulation of factors including fear, honour, interest, survival and bellicose culture, domestic pressure and perceived injustice, ambition or opportunism and the dynamic interaction of violence, enmity, passion, chance and friction. It also recognises that, even when rationalised political objectives are pursued in a war, the outcome is often unpredictable.

A number of philosophical approaches to the causes of war have been advanced ranging from simple, intuitive assertions about human nature to sophisticated analyses utilising concepts and techniques from modern psychology. The majority of such theories, however, are concerned with a broad spectrum of innate drives which are manifested as desire to gain power, fear of loss of power, or the need to protect a group.

In his classic The Causes of War, Clausewitz asserts that the strategic calculus behind waging war involves a balance of considerations of force, opportunity and danger. Essentially, the greater the advantage in a situation, the more likely it is that the opponent will surrender. It is this ‘competitive calculus’ that underpins the military strategy of every major power.

There are those who argue that Clausewitz’s conception of war is flawed because it ignores the cultural context of warfare. In their view, a more accurate definition would incorporate the idea of war as ‘the continuous struggle for the control of territory and resources’. In this sense, they would regard fighting as an inextricable part of life – an instinctive and inexorable necessity for communities to survive and to distinguish themselves from other groups of people.

Those who argue in this vein tend to be social darwinists who embrace the concept of evolution. They believe that humans are programmed by their genes to fight and to do so for the benefit of a community, for example to protect women and children from harm or to protect heritage buildings or works of art.

There is also the concern that the inevitably destructive nature of war erodes cultural values and social cohesion. For many, this is a significant problem. The economic costs of a war can also have profound effects, both during and after it has finished. For example, shortages of food and water can lead to malnutrition and increase the risk of diseases such as cholera. They can also reduce the amount of money available for other social and economic needs. The psychological impact of war can be even more devastating. It can disrupt a person’s ability to work and maintain their daily routine which increases the risk of ill health, especially for young children. This can reduce their performance in school and even lead to dropouts.

It’s been more than a century since world war began, but it continues to shape our lives. It brought us the horrors of trench warfare and lethal new technologies, and left more than 16 million military personnel and civilians dead. It also radically changed the world, with the collapse of the sprawling Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Russian empires and the creation of many new ones.

It is easy to blame the horrible decisions made by the belligerents – the countries that went to war – for the outbreak of the conflict, but there are also many big trends that helped push it into full swing. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian terrorist in June 1914 was just one of them, but it triggered other trends that were already under way.

Among them was the desire by some leaders to build bigger empires. France, Russia and Germany already had empires, but they all wanted to expand them further. This led to secret alliances and tension between the powers. It also led to competition for resources and territory.

As the summer of 1914 unfolded, it became clear that Europe was headed for a great war. The German leadership favored a quick start to the conflict, because they believed that it would allow them to finish unfinished business. This included their support for Austrian attacks on Serbia and a belief that they could use the war to reassert their power and prestige in the world.

The American public’s strong support for Ukraine and NATO in the wake of Russia’s invasion shows a broad willingness to counter Russian aggression. However, many Americans are unclear about how to proceed in the future. In particular, should the United States aim to cut all ties with Moscow or envisage some form of cooperation in the future? The latter option would require maintaining solidarity with allies even when Russian economic blowback hurts them, former officials say.

Experts agree that the U.S. military’s globe-spanning force would clobber Russia in a toe-to-toe conventional fight, but modern wars often play out with non-state actors, insurgencies and shifting terrain that make it impossible for one side to dominate the other. But the United States also spends 10 times more on national defense than Russia, and operates a 10-carrier fleet designed for offensive power projection at sea, while Russia maintains just one carrier.

A significant majority of Americans have positive views of Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and most express confidence in Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But they have very negative opinions of Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, with a 64% majority saying that they consider Russia an enemy of the United States.

While leaders may avoid the loaded term Cold War, these new dynamics reflect a Cold War level of suspicion, antagonism and gamesmanship between two nuclear-armed giants. In the aftermath of Ukraine, it is vital to rebalance America’s relationship with Europe by demonstrating that the US will not stand as a neutral bystander in any showdown between the two powers.

While Ukraine may not be the first place that comes to mind for most travelers, this large Slavic country in Eastern Europe has a lot to offer. Expansive countryside, gorgeous architecture, centuries-old cathedrals, and rugged coastlines are just the beginning of what makes this country so unique. Ukraine also has a rich history that includes two world wars and the Chernobyl disaster. These experiences have shaped the Ukrainian culture, including its cuisine, which is known for being hearty and wholesome. Traditional Ukrainian foods encapsulate generations of traditions founded by hard-working people and incorporate flavors from neighboring countries like Poland, Russia, and Belarus. Cabbage and garlic are common ingredients found in many of Ukraine’s savory dishes, while cottage cheese is a popular ingredient in its sweet recipes.

As a result of the country’s rich and fertile soil, agriculture is a big part of life in Ukraine. Breads made from wheat and rye flour are commonplace, while vegetables and fruits such as potatoes, carrots, apples, and tomatoes play an important role in Ukrainian cooking. The dishes are inspired by both Slavic traditions and other European techniques, due to years of foreign rule and influence.

One of the most iconic dishes in Ukraine is borscht, which is often described as the original staple. The hearty soup is a blend of meat broth, cabbages, beets, and a variety of other vegetables and is prepared differently by every region in the country. The ingredients give borscht its signature red color, and it is often served with sour cream on top.

Another recognizable dish is holubtsi, which are boiled cabbage rolls. Each leaf of the cabbage is wrapped around a filling, which can be anything from mashed potatoes to boiled beef or pork liver. The dish is often served with sour cream and chopped parsley.

For dessert, kolachki are sweet dumplings that can be filled with anything from rose preserves to poppy seeds. They’re often tossed in sugar and serve as an ideal treat for children during the holidays. Another classic dessert is pampushki, which are similar to doughnut holes. They’re fried and usually covered in icing or chocolate.

Wine is a popular beverage in Ukraine and can be made from a variety of grapes. One of the most well-known wines from the country is Yafe Nagar, a blend of Chardonnay and Riesling from the Black Sea region.

Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have kept their heads high and are working to reclaim their homeland. They’re united in their goal to regain as much territory as possible, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has focused on the civic identity of the nation, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background. It’s no wonder why he’s the most popular politician in the country.

When people discuss political ideologies, they often use the terms liberal and democrat interchangeably. However, these two terms have distinct meanings. A liberal is someone who is open to different viewpoints, and a democrat is a member of a political party that supports progressive policies and government intervention in social and economic issues.

In general, a democrat believes that government should support social welfare programs and provide a wide range of public services, such as education, health care, and housing. They also believe that government should promote equality and protect the environment. They are more likely to support labor unions and environmental regulations than Republicans.

Historically, the Democratic Party has roots in classical liberalism and populism (the idea that royal overreach oppresses the virtuous), and Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal coalition introduced social-liberal platforms promoting social justice. However, the party today is primarily a left-leaning organization with a small percentage of conservative Democrats.

The sharp leftward movement among Democratic voters has some political observers suggesting that there could be a growing racial divide in party political ideology. Nonwhite voters now make up 43% of Democratic voters, and they have traditionally been less likely than white Democrats to self-identify as liberal.

Aside from the differences in social policy, a major difference between liberals and democrats is their view on how the government should respond to economic crises. For example, liberals are more supportive of free markets than democrats.

Russia, the world’s largest country and a superpower by many measures, is an immense land of extremes: world-class cities, like Moscow with its Red Square and gilded cathedrals; the forbidding Arctic desert of the north; vast tracts of Siberia; grain farms that rival those of Kansas; and mountain communities that seem almost medieval in nature. This country has a complex history of monarchy and totalitarianism, is rich in natural resources, and is struggling to reclaim its former position among the global powers.

In size, it is almost twice as big as the United States, covering most of the northern part of Eurasia and nearly all of Western Siberia. It is bounded to the west by Europe, with its only frontage on the Baltic Sea at St. Petersburg and in the detached Russian enclave of Kaliningrad near Poland; to the east by China and Mongolia, with small frontages in the north on the White Sea at Murmansk and in the south on the Black Sea at Vladivostok; and to the south and southwest by North Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.

The inland seas, rivers, and lakes of this vast country give it its character, and its unique geographical features are responsible for a great diversity of wildlife and landscapes. The landforms vary over a wide latitudinal range from Arctic deserts in the far north to tundra and then the forest zones of eastern Siberia.

Its extreme climate has made life difficult for its inhabitants throughout history, forcing them to continually seek new frontiers. They have travelled to the north and east in search of furs, food, and secure frontiers, and to the south in search of warmer waters.

In more recent times, the country has been able to sustain itself financially through its wealth in natural resources, particularly oil and gas. However, a decline in the price of crude has been accompanied by economic difficulties and an emphasis on re-establishing national identity through resurgent nationalism.

Travel around the country is by train, plane, bus, and metro. Car rental is available, but drivers need an international driving permit and must comply with Russian road rules. Keep passports and other valuables with you at all times, especially in public places or around transport hubs. Be wary of arranged meetings with strangers and do not agree to go to bars or clubs with people you’ve just met. Drink spiking is a problem, and it’s best to buy your own drinks and to have them kept in sight at all times. Be aware of political or social unrest and avoid areas where protests are taking place. In the event of an emergency, contact your embassy for advice. Also, make sure your mobile phone is working and has plenty of data to use. It can be slow or unreliable in some regions. Check here for more tips and information about visiting Russia.

World News is the media jargon term for global news. It can include reports from abroad that are sent to a national news outlet, or – more frequently – information obtained via distance communication technology such as the internet or satellite television. In some cases, such as with war reporting, the distinction between world news and national news is blurred and the latter can include events happening in countries whose governments are not involved directly.

The most interesting stories in world news come from fields such as science, crime, medicine and archaeology. These are often the pieces that go viral, because they offer glimpses into things that people find fascinating and unexpected. Whether it’s the discovery of a previously unknown human ancestor or the latest revelation about how Egyptian pyramids were built, these are the kinds of stories that have the potential to change people’s lives and open their minds.

Among the most important subfields of world news is conflict journalism. This can include reporting on wars between nations, as well as insurgencies, civil unrest and other situations that threaten the stability of a country. In this kind of journalism, a correspondent – usually based in a foreign city – serves as the main source of information for local and international news outlets, as well as for international agencies such as the AP or Reuters.

Other important aspects of world news can include humanitarian crisis, climate change and environmental degradation. These issues can affect the entire planet, and sometimes have a profound impact on the lives of the people who live in those areas. For example, the famine in Yemen has killed thousands of children and is a serious threat to the country’s population overall. Similarly, the recent floods in parts of England have left hundreds of thousands of residents without homes.

About the book

As Ukraine tries to retake territory and reestablish a military balance with Russia, it faces a formidable foe. Nonetheless, most Ukrainians appear determined to fight on. A September Gallup poll found that 70% of those surveyed thought they would continue the struggle until victory over Russia is achieved. And that sentiment is confirmed by the actions of Ukrainians on the battlefield, where US-made weapon systems such as the Javelin missile launcher have given outgunned troops a fighting chance against Russian tanks. Meanwhile, the broader West has demonstrated remarkable unity in support of Ukraine’s war effort and in imposing punishing sanctions on Russia, a major trading partner.

The question is how long the war will last and whether Ukraine can eventually drive Russian forces out entirely, including from Crimea and other eastern regions of Ukraine. Most security experts say that is unlikely, but the war will likely bog down into a drawn-out conflict in which Ukraine’s defenses are expected to hold up stoutly. Several key factors are at play here. First, Putin’s invasion plan was unrealistic. He apparently assumed that a quick march on Kyiv would meet little resistance. He did not expect that the Russian army would face such a stout Ukrainian defense, even with massive Western military aid. In addition, the Russian military suffers from poor morale. Its members are waging a war against a country with which they have religious, ethnic, historical, and even familial ties. That kind of conflict, in a military that has long suffered from systemic morale problems, is a recipe for disaster.

World news is the jargon term in news media for news from overseas, covering global issues and events. This type of news can be either sent from foreign correspondents or – more recently – gathered by remote reporters. The latter are known as special envoys and can be full-time journalists employed by a news source or a temporary commissioned reporter sent to cover specific events such as war, or to attend meetings of international organizations that a country might belong to.

In 2022, look out for more high-profile cases of journalist burnout as the relentless news cycle, remote working and rising authoritarianism take their toll. Expect news companies to explore new ways of supporting staff this year. Meanwhile, the growing power of creator content in youth-based social media will continue to eat into advertising revenue and fuel a shift towards short-form social video. The growth of platform features that enable charging for content will also open up opportunities for individual creators and creator-driven co-operatives, contributing to a further ‘pivot to video’.

Overall, expect 2022 to be a year of careful consolidation for an industry shaken up by the drawn-out COVID-19 crisis and polarised by debates about politics and identity. Watch for internal soul-searching in newsrooms around diversity and inclusion, and about emerging agendas such as climate change and mental health. And, of course, about how to re-engage audiences that have turned away from news media, with an emphasis on new and more trusted sources.