Geopolitics of conflict involves struggles between nations over geographic territory, natural resources like oil and mineral wealth and strategic influence. Driven by political, economic and ideological motives, these disputes lead to resource competition, territorial disputes and economic fragmentation, profoundly impacting global security and trade.

The world that we live in today is torn by conflict. In fact, we are witnessing the highest number of conflicts since World War II. There is intense warfare in Iran, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar to name just a few countries. Millions of people are displaced, dead or dying. Global peace has dropped to an unprecedented, all-time low. There are violent crimes against humanity and often in the name of freedom and liberty. International law defines ‘crimes against humanity’ based on specific acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against any civilian population, regardless of the perpetrators’ stated motives. The law focuses on the nature and scale of the atrocities, not the ideology or justification provided by those committing them. Actions that meet the legal criteria for crimes against humanity remain illegal under international law, even if framed as the pursuit of ‘freedom’ or any other goal.

Turmoil in Iran

The ongoing war between United States and Israel forces against Iran, and Iran’s subsequent retaliation has tremendously undermined international peace and security. The question remains is this an attempt to free the people of Iran with a change in regime or an attempt to control Iranian oil? Iran’s oil reserves are the third-largest globally (at 13%) as per Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

In 1953, the CIA and British intelligence engineered a coup known as Operation Ajax to overthrow Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh after he nationalized the country’s oil industry. Led by CIA operative Kermit Roosevelt Jr., the plan relied on bribery, propaganda and orchestrated unrest to destabilize Mossadegh’s government. Declassified records later confirmed that the intervention was aimed at reversing oil nationalization and protecting Western strategic interests. After the coup, a new oil consortium granted American companies significant control over Iran’s petroleum resources. In 2013, the United States formally acknowledged its role in the operation. The coup strengthened the Shah’s monarchy, but growing dissatisfaction over inequality and authoritarian rule eventually led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought the Shah’s regime to an end.

Is history repeating itself? Is the aim ‘Regime Change’ or ‘Resource Control?’ Are these ‘battles for peace’ or ‘battles for pieces natural resources?’

The world urgently needs healing through a collective turn toward compassion, environmental responsibility and inner balance. Peace emerges from harmony and the absence of violence in thought, word and deed. It grows from freedom from fear and the rejection of hostility and vengeance, but most of all from sincere attempts at reconciliation. Yet societies continue to divide themselves along political and ideological lines, creating an “us versus them” mindset that fuels conflict rather than cooperation.

Hamā-zor – Strength that comes from unity

In the Zoroastrian tradition there is a beautiful term, ‘Hamā-zor’ which captures the spirit of peace, harmony and unity. In the Āfrin-ī-Gāhambār we pray: “Hamā-zor bād vehāne haft-keshvar zamīn … emān avā eshān, eshān avā emān, hamā-zor ham-baher, ham-yāred” which means: “May we all cooperate with the righteous men of the seven regions (the whole world) …. May we be one with them and may they be one with us. May we all benefit and help one another.”

‘Hama’ means ‘together’ and ‘Zor’ means strength. It literally means: Strength that comes from togetherness or unity. During the Jashan ceremony, Zoroastrian priests offer a special handshake to each other reciting “Hamāzor hamā asho bed” or “May we be united in spiritual strength, may we all be righteous in our actions.”

The Achaemenian model

Five centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ, Persian Zoroastrians ruled over more than half the known world. They were among the first rulers to envision and successfully govern a vast world empire. Their achievement was not based only on military conquest but on a remarkable system of tolerance, administration and diplomacy.

Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenian Empire, was a highly skilled monarch whose policies laid the foundation for this extraordinary realm. Unlike many conquerors of his time, Cyrus ruled with respect for the people he governed. He allowed conquered nations to speak their own languages, practice their own religions and maintain their traditional ways of life. Cyrus also proclaimed what is widely regarded as the first Charter of Human Rights. Inscribed on a clay cylinder, this declaration affirmed principles of freedom and tolerance. His humane policies made him widely respected and helped create a peaceful and stable empire.

Building on Cyrus’ achievements, Darius the Great strengthened the administrative structure of the empire. He divided the vast territory into provinces and appointed governors known as satraps to govern them and collect taxes. Darius also developed the famous Royal Road, which enabled messages, soldiers and official communications to move quickly across the empire. Trade and commerce flourished under his rule, supported by a standardized law code and improved infrastructure.

The Achaemenians not only tolerated different cultures and religions but celebrated the diversity of their kingdom. Each year during the spring festival at Persepolis, representatives from across the empire gathered in the ceremonial capital. Persepolis functioned in many ways like a global assembly of its time. An inscription by Darius the Great at Persepolis reflects his philosophy of justice and restraint, declaring his devotion to Ahura Mazda, his commitment to truth and his belief that neither the strong should oppress the weak nor the weak harm the strong.

Both Darius the Great and Xerxes the Great worshipped Ahura Mazda while remaining respectful of other belief systems. They built fire altars but also focused heavily on socio economic development. Roads, bridges, dams, caravan routes and communication systems strengthened the empire’s prosperity.

Through this blend of strength and tolerance, the Achaemenian rulers created what historians call Pax Persica or Pax Achaemenidica. This system produced stability across an empire that governed nearly 44% of the world’s population at its height. Local religions, languages and customs were allowed to continue as long as loyalty and taxes were maintained.

Diplomacy also played a role in maintaining peace. Artaxerxes II, for instance, used negotiation in 387/386 BCE to impose the King’s Peace, also known as the Peace of Antalcidas, on the Greek city states and bring an end to the Corinthian War.

Lessons of History

What lesson does history offer? The Achaemenians valued peace, and from peace flowed progress and prosperity. Their example reminds world leaders that stability grows from tolerance and understanding, not political gamesmanship. Lasting peace demands addressing the roots of conflict such as inequality, injustice and ignorance through thoughtful action at individual, societal and international levels.

Developing compassion for human life is central to fostering harmony and overcoming human selfishness that leads to geopolitical disputes. The ‘Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence’ include Mutual Respect for Sovereignty, Non-Aggression, Non-Interference in Internal Affairs, Equality and Peaceful Co-existence.