Using the question below as a starting point, generate a discussion with your class concerning the amount of conflict in the world today.
- What are some instances of conflict that you’ve seen in the world recently? (Sadly, there’s a lot to choose from. It seems like every day something new comes out in the news about more fighting, disagreements, and aggression occurring.)
Conflict of all types is such a fixture of our world! An organization called International Crisis Group outlined the following as the top ten major conflicts to watch in our world this year:
Gaza
Wider Middle East War
Sudan
Ukraine
Myanmar
Ethiopia
The Sahel
Haiti
Armenia-Azerbaijan
U.S.-China
In addition to these violent conflicts, we’ve seen also seen conflict internationally and in the United States regarding politics, racism, sexism, and so much more. Sadly, it seems as though much of the conflict in our world isn’t put towards the goal of resolving the conflict and building unity. Instead, much of the conflict seems to further divide us.
- What are some instances you’ve seen of conflict for the sake of division instead of unity? (Accept all reasonable answers.)
The truth is that violence is everywhere around us, and while violent and divisive media has only existed for the last hundred years, the earth has been at war since the beginning of time. From the earliest recorded war between Sumer and Elam in Mesopotamia in 2700 BC, to today’s ongoing fighting across the globe, it feels like humans are destined to be in conflict with one another.
Today, we’ll see that this isn’t just a feeling; sadly, our human nature will always keep us at war. Thankfully, there is Someone who can make lasting peace a reality. Let’s take a look.
Source: 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024
