Why do countries fight? Is it really just about borders, or is something deeper going on?

In this insightful and engaging episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex unpacks the complicated world of international conflict in a way anyone can understand, yes, even your uncle who thinks world peace is just a group hug away.

From power struggles and resource competition to national security concerns and cultural identity crises, we explore the four core reasons countries clash.

You'll learn how global politics often mirrors playground dynamics, and why "just sharing" is a lot harder on the world stage than in kindergarten. We also dive into diplomacy, alliances like NATO, the role of the United Nations, and why peace, though fragile, s always worth striving for. Whether you're curious about geopolitics, history, war and peace, or why trust between nations is so hard to build, this episode offers clear, thoughtful answers, with humor and heart.