Part 2/9:
To contextualize the ongoing conflict, it's essential to first explore why war is a relatively rare occurrence in international relations. Generally speaking, wars are expensive, resulting in substantial costs such as loss of life, destruction of property, and economic instability. Given these costs, nations tend to seek negotiated settlements or avoid conflict altogether. The idea is rooted in crisis bargaining theory, which posits that when two countries have opposing interests, they often weigh the benefits against the costs of war.