A war is a period of fighting between states or nations, political groups involving hostilities of considerable duration and magnitude; it can be caused by different aspects, including competition over land, religious conflicts and nationalism. Basically war destroys communities and families and often the development of the social and economic fabric of nations.
The effects of war include long-term physical and psychological harm to children and adults, some of these like sexual violence, malnutrition, disability, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, as well as reduction in material and human capital. Sadly, the world and history itself has been a witness of several wars, horrifying and atrocious affairs, which are nothing less than a stain of what humanity is capable of.
The first episode, WW1 changed the economic balance of the world, leaving European countries deep in debt and making the U.S. the industrial power and creditor in the world; the second episode later on, WWII was the deadliest conflict in human history, it resulted in 70 to 85 million fatalities, a majority being civilians. Tens of millions of people died due to genocides (including the Holocaust), starvations, masacres, and disease.
And right now, relations between Ukraine and Russia are of great concern to the whole globe considering the both of them have been hostile since the Ukranian revolution in 2014 and now 8 years later, Russia launched a full scale invasion on the Ukrainian mainland across a broad front. A conflict exacerbating supply and demand tensions damaging consumer sentiment, threatening global economic growth, but worst, ending the lives of innocent people. It is a shame that even now, having entities even like the UN it's still impossible to live together in peace rather than in constant hostility.
Why does it seem like humanity is incapable of peaceful coexistence? At some point nations, governments, entities, political parties, rebels and minorities must have mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non aggression, no interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit. Peace itself is a fundamental component of community development, personal growth and survival for our planet. At the heart of every faithful community, and culture lies a need to advance peaceful coexistence to enhance productive, meaningful lives and sustainable societies; something we can put into practice in our everyday life just starting by being aware.
By Sofía López de la Hoz,
Step 9 Yellow
