London, November 28, 2025
The question of whether opposing teams can coexist is urgent as ongoing conflicts and political tensions dominate the global landscape in late 2025. Conflicting parties in Ukraine, Gaza, and fragile states confront immense hurdles, while international forums and sporting events offer platforms for dialogue and peaceful engagement.
Conflict Zones Challenge Coexistence
Violent clashes persist in Ukraine and Gaza, where armed factions and states remain locked in hostilities. Despite ongoing peace dialogues, including mediator involvement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the reality on the ground reflects a fragile coexistence at best. Civilians and political actors face deep divisions amid sustained fighting.
Political instability in countries such as Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, and Bangladesh further strains the possibility of teams coexisting peacefully. Coups and contentious elections undermine state cohesion and complicate prospects for collaborative governance, raising questions about the durability of political coexistence.
Diplomacy and Multilateral Dialogue Provide Hope
Amid these tensions, several major international summits this November aim to promote cooperative engagement. The COP30 climate summit emphasizes the critical need for countries to unite on environmental goals despite divergent national interests. Similarly, the G20 Johannesburg summit, marking the first time on African soil, highlights efforts to strengthen multilateral economic collaboration.
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) also convenes to reinforce ties and foster shared growth across continents, demonstrating diplomatic channels’ potential to aid coexistence through dialogue, policy coordination, and mutual understanding.
Sporting and Cultural Events as Models of Coexistence
On a different front, international sports serve as a peaceful arena for coexistence among teams from diverse backgrounds. November’s FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and ICC Women’s World Cup final feature global participation, symbolizing respect, fair competition, and cultural exchange. These events showcase how disparate groups can coexist with shared rules and mutual respect beyond political or ideological differences.
Coexistence Dependent on Arena and Commitment
The potential for coexistence varies markedly across contexts. In active conflict zones, coexistence faces significant obstacles without sustained political will and effective mediation. In fragile political systems, internal cohesion is vital to prevent further fragmentation. Diplomatic forums demonstrate how institutionalized dialogue can mitigate conflicts and promote cooperative coexistence.
Meanwhile, peaceful coexistence thrives in cultural and sporting spheres where shared interests and values provide common ground. The global community’s challenge remains to translate such models into broader socio-political settings to foster durable coexistence across all teams—whether states, political factions, or social groups.