Across the world, children are living through wars they did not start while global systems continue to prioritize power, resources, and dominance over care.

But mothers understand something war planners often ignore.

There is no such thing as an abstract war.

Every bomb lands somewhere.

Every war breaks a family.

Every conflict leaves children carrying scars long after leaders move on.

What would leadership look like if care — not domination — was the organizing principle of our world?

Full essay: “What Mothers Understand About War”