The year has underscored the continued importance of military force in international relations, with Russia maintaining control over significant portions of Ukraine amidst ongoing peace talks. The U.S. conducted strikes in Nigeria against ISIS-linked militants and imposed a naval blockade on Venezuela. Other global hotspots saw continued use of force, including tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, China's military pressure on Taiwan, and coercive actions in the South China Sea. Gaza remains divided and in ruins following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, with differing visions for its future stabilization.