International trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries. It is an important part of the global economy, as it allows countries to specialize in certain industries and to purchase goods and services from other countries. Alliances are agreements between two or more countries to cooperate in areas such as trade, defense, or foreign policy. Conflict is a disagreement or clash between two or more parties, usually involving the use of force or the threat of force. Conflict can be between countries, groups, or individuals.