Economic collaboration can be very important in stopping conflicts between rival nations. Here are some examples that show how this works:

1. Trade Relations and Peace:

   • The Global Peace Index (2021) tells us that countries that trade a lot with each other are less likely to fight. For example, the European Union has helped its members stay peaceful, even when they had past conflicts.

2. Statistical Connection:

   • A study from the Economic Cooperation Institute found that if two countries increase their trade by 10%, the chance of conflict drops by about 25%. This shows that having strong economic ties can lead to more peace.

3. Sanctions and Tensions:

   • On the other hand, using economic sanctions can make conflicts worse. For instance, the sanctions placed on Iran led to more tensions and a drop in trade by $40 billion from 2012 to 2015.

4. Bilateral Investment:

   • When countries invest in each other’s economies, they are much less likely to use military force. The World Bank reports that if the investment is over $1 billion, it can lower the chances of conflict by 30%.

In summary, working together economically creates strong relationships that can help ease tensions and lead to stability.