Sadness of the State of International Affairs

One might wonder why I would continue to read so much about international affairs when there is so much that brings me sadness. First, I cannot help myself! It is impossible for me not to know whatever. Admittedly, regardless of how much I read about economics, it only makes me aware of my limitations. Fortunately, I have a son who can bring me some enlightenment. But the ups and downs of inflation are only more complicated by the likes of Krugman and Summers who appraise similar situations differently.  I keep reading all sorts of sources dealing with foreign affairs, e.g., Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs.

My sadness about the state of current affairs ultimately results in such a catastrophe. I find it hard to understand why humans cannot treat other as fellow human beings whose brains and education may differ, but we are able to talk about our different views to see how we can pierce the differences. Realizing that often there is violence associated with such differences, we can live together peacefully.  

However, nations that differ from one another by virtue of history, e.g., Taiwan separation from China after the Revolution, the breakup of the Soviet Union, the northeast triangle in Africa, Mynamar, should seem able to live in peace. It is clearly not realistic! The world is now in turmoil. And even when events like Russia's invasion into Ukraine seem so unnecessary, the world’s responses are so diverse. The United States shares in that diversity. There are even members of Congress that do not see a problem with Russia’s initiative(s). 

There are only a few nations, e.g., Ireland and New Zealand, that seem to remain unaligned to anything but peace. I understand that nations need to respond in some fashion to invasions from one  nation to another, I am so depressed by the consistent insistence of the use of power, rather than intellectual exchange, to address problematic situations.