Are we living in a world with a greater propensity for war and conflict? And as we reflect on 2025, have we seen any moves away from conflict, not least in the Middle East? How seriously is conflict resolution and prevention taken? Or do we have to settle for low-grade conflict management? The Doomsday Clock managed by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in January shifted its dial to just 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to predicting catastrophe. Can one argue with this? Perhaps.