Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel

Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Flight Cancellations Impact Major Middle Eastern Hubs

The escalating tensions in the Middle East have triggered a wave of flight disruptions, particularly impacting major hubs across the region. Airlines are increasingly forced to cancel or divert flights as airspace closures become more frequent, creating a challenging environment for air travel.

Major players like Air France and KLM have taken the significant step of suspending flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut, while United Airlines briefly suspended their daily Tel Aviv service, highlighting the growing worries about regional security. This disruption doesn't just affect travelers with immediate plans to visit Lebanon or Israel, it creates knock-on effects for air travel throughout the region.

Airports in Kuwait and neighboring countries are also experiencing a ripple effect of flight cancellations and route changes, causing increased flight times and adding complications for travelers. Airlines are attempting to navigate a complex situation by rerouting flights, often adding 500 miles or more to journeys, resulting in extended flight times. It's become a challenging predicament for airlines trying to operate safely and effectively in this volatile environment. This ongoing situation has led to a more complex and uncertain experience for those aiming to travel to the Middle East as airlines re-evaluate their flight plans in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

The escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the recent events impacting Israel and Lebanon, have created a domino effect on air travel, especially within the region's vital air hubs. Places like Dubai and Doha, which handle a substantial portion of global air traffic, find themselves at the center of this disruption. When major carriers decide to cancel or reroute flights, it can lead to cascading consequences.

Passengers find themselves caught in a difficult situation, particularly those who were in transit through these affected hubs, with disruptions and delays becoming the norm. Airlines are left to navigate a challenging environment as they try to adapt. It's not just the affected regions that feel the pinch; as routes are adjusted, seat availability decreases, and algorithms react, prices can escalate quite quickly. This can quickly turn a budget-friendly trip into a much more expensive one.

Examining past patterns reveals that during times of conflict, fare increases are not uncommon, sometimes reaching significant levels. The costs for airlines go beyond just fuel; adapting to geopolitical uncertainty requires considerable resources, and this impacts everything from routine service to the development of new routes.

Interestingly, the disruption has also led to the creation of new flight paths, as airlines seek to avoid specific areas. While this is understandable, it creates a new level of complexity for passengers who may suddenly have fewer choices or need to adjust their travel plans. This, in turn, puts added pressure on the various loyalty programs airlines use to retain customers; during periods of significant disruption, these programs are also challenged and may offer reduced rewards or limit services.

One can also see how insurance companies react to events like this; they tend to get a sudden influx of claims, and some travelers may discover that their insurance policy might not be as comprehensive as they assumed. Additionally, airlines' shifting strategies might lead to unexpected developments. Airlines might redeploy aircraft to areas with surging demand, which can lead to a sudden reduction in options for budget-oriented travelers.

In contrast, some destinations that experience a drop in direct flights might start offering more comprehensive travel packages. This could become attractive to travelers who want to combine flights and accommodation, offering a degree of convenience during times of uncertainty. While travel offers some solace, the impact of these tensions on the world's interconnected aviation network is clear: the disruption isn't isolated to the immediate regions; it reverberates throughout the global airline ecosystem, showcasing how air travel is increasingly intertwined with global events.

What else is in this post?

1. Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Flight Cancellations Impact Major Middle Eastern Hubs
2. Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Airlines Reroute Flights to Avoid Conflict Zones
3. Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Travel Advisories Issued for US Citizens in the Region
4. Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Drop in Passenger Bookings for Middle East Destinations
5. Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Safety Concerns Prompt Airspace Closures
6. Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Airlines Adjust Operations Amid Escalating Tensions

Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Airlines Reroute Flights to Avoid Conflict Zones

The escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted airlines to take significant measures to protect passengers and crew, primarily by rerouting flights to avoid regions affected by conflict. Several major airlines, like Emirates and Qatar Airways, have altered their usual flight paths, particularly following missile exchanges between Iran and Israel. Some carriers have gone further, suspending service to specific destinations like Israel or Lebanon altogether, as seen with Air France's suspension of routes to both countries.


These adjustments often translate into extended flight times, as aircraft are forced to deviate from direct paths to circumvent conflict zones. In some cases, this means adding 500 miles or more to usual flight routes, increasing travel times and potentially leading to higher fares. The dynamic nature of the situation creates added uncertainty for travelers, as airlines must constantly adapt to the evolving security environment. Airlines carefully watch developments, always prioritizing passenger safety while trying to maintain operations. The result can be reduced choices and more difficulty planning trips for travelers on a budget, as airlines shift resources to address the challenges of this volatile region. It highlights how geopolitical events can dramatically impact both airline operations and travel experiences.

**Flight Path Adjustments:** Airlines are adapting to the volatile situation by making significant alterations to their flight paths, sometimes deviating by as much as 1,000 miles to avoid regions impacted by conflict. It's not a simple decision; they need to carefully assess safety and operational efficiency, using advanced technologies to map out the most practical detours.

**Extended Flight Durations:** The rerouting is adding substantial flight time, ranging from half an hour to several hours, depending on the route and the extent of airspace limitations. This has a cascading impact on airline schedules, causing delays and potentially disrupting passenger connections.

**Ticket Price Adjustments:** The current instability has pushed average ticket prices upward by as much as 25% in certain instances. The costs of rerouting, the increased demand for alternative flights, and the general scarcity of seats are driving these price increases.

**Impact on Loyalty Programs:** Rerouting and flight cancellations are impacting the accumulation of points in frequent flyer programs. Airlines may adjust mileage earning rates on altered routes, frustrating travelers who rely on miles for upgrades or free travel.

**Travel Insurance Concerns:** Many travelers might not realize that their travel insurance policies may not cover trip cancellations related to "known events." As tensions escalate, some insurance companies have started to exclude specific destinations from coverage, potentially leaving travelers liable for substantial unexpected costs.

**Airport Strain:** Airports in regions neighboring conflict zones are experiencing a significant influx of passengers as airlines suspend flights to the affected areas. Some airports have seen as much as a 40% increase in passenger transfers, adding significant strain to already busy airport facilities.

**Operational Cost Burden:** The rerouting and added security measures are putting a strain on airlines' finances. Increased fuel consumption, heightened security measures, and potential aircraft repositioning have a direct impact on operating costs, leading to a ripple effect on both ticket prices and profitability.

**Economic Effects on Tourism:** Destinations that depend heavily on tourism are facing a significant economic challenge. When airlines cut flights, tourist numbers can decrease by up to 30% as travelers shift to safer options. This reduction in tourism can lead to a decrease in revenues for hotels, businesses, and other sectors that rely on tourism.

**Shifting Travel Preferences:** Travel agencies are seeing an increase in the popularity of bundled packages that combine flights with accommodation and activities. This strategy offers a level of certainty and convenience to travelers during a time of uncertainty and decreased direct flight availability.

**Alternative Hub Developments:** In the face of uncertainty, airlines are considering using more stopover cities as hubs for international connections, adding extra layovers for travelers. It represents a long-term trend, a change in how air travel routes are planned and how international air traffic is managed in a continuously volatile environment.

The adjustments that airlines and the aviation sector are making are a fascinating insight into the complex relationship between geopolitical events and air travel. While passengers navigate the challenges, it’s an opportunity to learn about how adaptable and complex the aviation network really is and how it responds to global instability.

Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Travel Advisories Issued for US Citizens in the Region

The US government has issued a series of travel advisories urging US citizens to exercise caution when traveling in the Middle East. The State Department has advised against travel to Israel due to escalating armed conflicts and civil unrest, with a particular focus on the dangers in Gaza. Travel to regions near the Lebanese and Syrian borders, within 25 miles, is also discouraged, reflecting the rising tensions involving groups like Hezbollah. These advisories follow a pattern of increasing regional instability, causing major airlines to suspend flights to Tel Aviv and issue warnings for the entire Middle East.

This situation isn't just affecting those with direct travel plans to the region. The resulting flight cancellations and route changes are creating ripple effects throughout the global airline network. Many hubs, particularly those in the Middle East, are experiencing knock-on effects like longer travel times and increased ticket prices. This is a major problem for budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable flight options.

The adjustments to flight routes and schedules are creating a less predictable travel experience. Airlines are constantly reassessing their plans, leaving travelers with fewer choices and facing more uncertainty. The situation illustrates how external events like conflicts can significantly impact air travel, with unforeseen consequences for travelers worldwide.

**Travel Advisories Issued for US Citizens in the Region**


The US State Department, in its role of advising citizens on international travel, has issued several advisories related to the ongoing instability in the Middle East. These advisories, ranging from "Reconsider Travel" to "Do Not Travel," are crucial for travelers to be aware of. They are reflective of the heightened security risks and potential dangers faced in certain regions. Airlines, sensitive to these advisories, often adjust their flight operations and scheduling to avoid zones deemed more dangerous, sometimes resulting in fewer flight options for passengers.

Travel insurance policies, often seen as a safety net for unforeseen circumstances, can become a point of contention during volatile periods. It's not uncommon for insurance policies to exclude destinations specifically flagged with travel advisories due to armed conflict or civil unrest. This can leave travelers vulnerable to substantial financial losses if their trip is interrupted.

Interestingly, certain areas frequently disrupted by military actions can see a short-term surge in demand from military personnel and associated contractors. This can boost ticket sales and influence route decisions for airlines, although it does not offset the overall negative impact on civilian travel due to heightened security concerns.

After substantial conflict events, airline ticket prices tend to rise significantly, sometimes by more than 30%. This pricing behavior stems from airlines attempting to recoup losses incurred from rerouted or cancelled flights and adjustments to their schedules. This creates pricing volatility making travel during or after tense periods a significantly more expensive venture than when the regions are relatively calm.

Airline route optimization is seeing improvements due to advancements in algorithms and predictive analysis. Airlines now employ technology to create safer routes while factoring in fluctuating air traffic and dynamic geopolitical risks. This integration of tech is transforming how the industry approaches flight safety and planning.

The instability in some regions can limit the use of rewards and frequent flyer miles. Airlines may restrict the destinations where loyalty points can be used, which can be a considerable constraint for frequent travelers who plan their trips around using those miles during challenging periods.

The ripples of this instability extend beyond passenger travel to impact cargo operations. Major cargo routes crossing affected regions experience disruptions and cancellations, affecting supply chains and potentially driving up the cost of goods for consumers.

Travelers, faced with restrictions, are modifying their itineraries and exploring alternate hubs like Istanbul or Doha as connection points to reach their destinations. This shift in travel patterns requires airlines to adapt their service to meet these new needs.

Increased security screenings are being implemented in airports located near or in unstable regions, causing longer waits for passengers. This in turn forces airlines to re-evaluate their flight schedules to ensure on-time departures. These adjustments affect overall travel efficiency and add complexity for travelers.

Finally, studies show a noticeable shift in travel preferences during heightened instability. Travelers tend to favor destinations they deem safer, often choosing areas not previously considered popular travel destinations. This response to geopolitical uncertainty highlights how travel preferences are fluid and affected by external events.


This overview of the current environment showcases the complex interplay of geopolitical events, travel advisories, and the reactions of airlines and travelers. The volatility in the Middle East has far-reaching implications for the aviation industry and for individuals planning their travel, reminding us of the connectedness of global events and how they impact even the seemingly simple act of traveling.

Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Drop in Passenger Bookings for Middle East Destinations

The recent surge in tensions across the Middle East has noticeably impacted travel plans, particularly to destinations within the region. Passenger bookings to Middle Eastern destinations have dropped considerably, with a reported 12% decline in departures compared to 2019 figures. This downward trend is particularly pronounced in Israel, where bookings have plummeted by 26 percentage points from pre-conflict levels. Major US-based carriers like American, Delta, and United have responded by halting flights to Tel Aviv due to heightened security concerns, further impacting travel interest. The ripple effects of these flight suspensions are being felt in other Middle Eastern countries too, including Egypt and Jordan, as travelers seek out destinations perceived as safer. The adjustments made by airlines, including rerouting flights over longer distances, are contributing to increased operational costs, and it's likely that these added expenses will eventually be passed onto consumers through higher ticket prices. The current landscape has created a challenging environment for anyone hoping to visit the Middle East in the near future.

The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has noticeably impacted air travel patterns, particularly to destinations within the region. Passenger bookings to the Middle East, particularly destinations like Israel and Lebanon, have shown a significant decrease, with some estimates placing the drop at around 40% compared to previous periods. This sharp decline highlights the direct influence geopolitical instability can have on traveler confidence and travel decisions.

Airlines have been forced to make considerable adjustments to their schedules and operational strategies. They've diverted flight paths by up to 1000 miles to avoid affected regions, leading to significantly extended flight times. While this action is understandable from a safety standpoint, it also contributes to longer journeys and potentially increases travel time by several hours. This dynamic environment is creating more complex logistics for airlines, as they grapple with managing delays and disruptions across their networks.

The combination of reduced flight availability and increased travel duration has, in turn, led to a rise in ticket prices. Some routes are seeing price hikes of up to 30%, creating a financial hurdle for individuals still considering travel to the region. Despite some cancellations, airlines have also seen increased load factors as travelers compete for fewer seats on remaining flights. It is a common pattern for airlines to utilize dynamic pricing models that adjust fares based on real-time demand and other variables, including security events and flight availability, creating uncertainty for those seeking affordable airfare.

This period of disruption is also affecting frequent flyer programs. Many loyal customers are facing limitations in their ability to accumulate or redeem points on adjusted flight paths, causing frustration among regular air travelers. Airlines, confronted with added operational challenges, are experiencing cost increases, with reports suggesting a possible 15% rise in operational expenses due to rerouting and altered flight plans.

Travel insurance also enters the picture in a more complex way. Travelers may discover that existing policies might not cover cancellations associated with already declared conflicts. It's common for insurers to implement limitations or exclusions during times of heightened unrest, potentially leaving travelers responsible for unexpected financial burdens.

Travel patterns are shifting as individuals reconsider their choices. There's a discernible trend toward using alternative hubs such as Dubai and Doha for connecting flights, suggesting a change in traveler behavior influenced by safety perceptions and the availability of flights. The impact extends beyond passenger travel. The current turmoil has disrupted cargo operations, affecting global supply chains and potentially leading to increased costs for goods and services that depend on air cargo.


The unfolding events in the Middle East illustrate the significant influence of geopolitical factors on the aviation industry. Airlines are maneuvering amidst a volatile environment, and the response from both carriers and travelers demonstrates the connectedness between global events and the seemingly ordinary act of travel.

Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Safety Concerns Prompt Airspace Closures

The escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted numerous airspace closures, sparking significant safety concerns for both airlines and travelers. With conflicts intensifying, airlines are forced to not only suspend flights to affected regions, including Israel and Lebanon, but also adapt existing flight paths to avoid dangerous areas. Consequently, flight durations are increasing, with some routes adding over an hour to circumvent conflict zones. This shift in flight operations inevitably influences ticket prices, as airlines face increased costs and a decrease in available seats. Travelers are confronted with a more complex and unpredictable landscape, not only due to the reduced number of available flights but also the changing array of travel advisories, adding further layers of complexity to trip planning during this period of instability.

**Safety Concerns Prompt Airspace Closures**


The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has prompted a wave of airspace closures, significantly altering airline operations. These closures, primarily due to missile strikes and the volatile security environment, have led to complex challenges in flight management. The implementation of geofencing technologies in air traffic control systems is becoming more prominent, providing a means to dynamically create restricted zones in response to emerging threats. This reactive approach highlights the integration of technology to mitigate real-time risks posed by conflicts, dynamically altering flight paths to avoid dangerous areas.


Airlines are now increasingly utilizing advanced analytics in their decision-making processes. Sophisticated algorithms analyze past conflict patterns and current airspace restrictions, forecasting risk and suggesting alternative flight paths. This data-driven approach, in a way, redefines how airlines handle route planning in dynamic geopolitical landscapes. These route changes, however, come at a price. Rerouting can increase fuel consumption considerably, potentially adding up to 20% to the cost of operating a flight. This operational cost burden becomes a critical factor for airlines evaluating the viability of maintaining service to a particular region when faced with conflict-induced changes.


Airlines also have to adapt to stricter security measures around conflict zones. Flight crews now face more frequent security screenings and specialized training, reflecting the elevated risks faced in such areas. These protocols, while necessary for the safety of crew and passengers, can complicate logistics and strain airline operations.


Beyond passenger flights, cargo transport is also affected by airspace closures. Airlines report a decline in cargo capacity of up to 30% when forced to reroute their flights around conflict zones, disrupting global supply chains and highlighting the interconnectedness of events even when seemingly remote.


These events also influence consumer behavior. Historical data suggests that after substantial conflicts, traveler preferences shift, with a notable increase in bookings to destinations perceived as historically safer. This behavioral shift represents a tangible example of how conflict and uncertainty affect individuals' travel choices, pushing them towards less volatile destinations.


The impact on local economies can be substantial. A sudden decrease in air travel to affected regions can cause tourism revenue to decline by up to 15%, highlighting a domino effect that extends beyond the immediate safety concerns and directly impacts the livelihood of people living in those areas.


Additionally, insurance claims related to flight disruptions have risen. Travelers are finding that policies sometimes have exclusions for events like conflicts, leading to disputes with insurers and demonstrating the importance of understanding the nuances of travel insurance in the context of heightened global instability.


To cope with this dynamic environment, airlines have adopted dynamic pricing strategies. The algorithm-driven changes to fares are directly connected to the real-time adjustments needed when managing disrupted flights and security concerns. In some cases, this can lead to substantial changes in price, with some routes experiencing a 40% increase within a short timeframe. This creates a challenging environment for price-sensitive travelers, who need to remain informed about the potential cost fluctuations.


Furthermore, the increased uncertainty has forced airlines and travelers to explore new and often unusual routes and airports. This change in flight patterns is reflected in the surge in traffic to cities like Doha and Istanbul as interim hubs. This adaptation showcases the resilience of the air travel network, responding to changing geopolitical circumstances and illustrating the broader impact of conflicts on route planning and how the market reacts to volatile situations.


The events described above demonstrate how conflicts in one part of the world can significantly ripple through the global airline industry and travel trends. The adjustments airlines and travelers are making highlight the ever-evolving landscape of air travel and its intricate connection with global events. It underscores how, despite technological advancements and sophisticated algorithms, the human desire for safe travel shapes and modifies travel behavior when confronted with threats.

Impact of Middle East Tensions on Air Travel Analyzing Flight Suspensions to Israel - Airlines Adjust Operations Amid Escalating Tensions

The Middle East's escalating tensions have compelled airlines to significantly adapt their operations, emphasizing passenger safety. Several prominent carriers, including Lufthansa, KLM, and Swiss International Air Lines, have extended their suspension of flights to Israel and neighboring areas due to heightened safety concerns. KLM, for instance, has halted all flights to and from Tel Aviv for a period. Lufthansa has not only cancelled Beirut services but also broadened its suspension to other impacted regions. UAE airlines haven't been spared either, facing flight cancellations and diversions caused by airspace closures in the region. Air France also joined the list, suspending services to Beirut and Tel Aviv. International airlines, striving to avoid problematic airspace, such as those over Iran and Iraq, have also been forced to alter their routes. The prospect of a broader conflict has led many airlines worldwide to either pause flights to the Middle East entirely or make substantial adjustments to their flight paths. This adjustment has impacted various regional airports, like those in Lebanon, Israel, and Kuwait, with flight changes and cancellations affecting many travelers. The continuous evolution of the situation has forced multiple airlines to either reroute or cancel flights, contributing to the substantial disruption impacting air travel in the region. These adjustments create a more complex and often unpredictable travel environment for those considering travel to the Middle East, as airlines strive to operate within these volatile circumstances. It can be challenging to plan budget-friendly trips as options become constrained and costs rise in a constantly shifting landscape.

**Navigating Geopolitical Shifts in Air Travel**


The heightened tensions in the Middle East have prompted significant changes in how airlines manage airspace and plan flight routes. Air traffic control systems are now increasingly incorporating geofencing, a dynamic method to swiftly establish restricted airspace in response to conflicts. This flexibility allows airlines to adapt rapidly, prioritizing safety and passenger well-being as the security situation evolves. However, it also exposes how dependent air travel has become on the ability to react to quickly changing environments.


The increase in flight disruptions caused by safety concerns has led to a surge in travel insurance claims. Many travelers are discovering that their existing travel insurance policies may not cover cancellations or disruptions related to geopolitical unrest. This is a stark reminder that understanding the specific clauses and limitations in any insurance contract is crucial, especially when travel plans involve areas prone to conflict. It has become apparent that the safety net of insurance is not as universal as many may believe.


Airline pricing strategies have also become more responsive to the current volatility. Sophisticated pricing algorithms are now intricately tied to real-time factors such as flight availability and security concerns. As a result, ticket prices can change significantly in short periods, with some routes seeing price fluctuations as high as 30%. This dynamic environment is a challenge for travelers on a budget as they face the uncertainty of fluctuating prices and must carefully consider booking strategies.


The rerouting of flights to bypass conflict zones has directly impacted airline operational costs. Rerouting can cause a substantial increase in fuel consumption, sometimes as much as 20%, placing a strain on already tight operating margins. This added expense can make certain routes economically unviable, prompting airlines to re-evaluate their flight schedules. It raises the question of what destinations remain profitable in a volatile geopolitical environment, potentially forcing carriers to shift resources.


The impact of rerouted flights extends beyond passenger service to disrupt the flow of goods via air cargo. Airlines report experiencing significant capacity reductions—up to 30%—when forced to avoid conflict areas. These disruptions affect global supply chains, ultimately leading to potential cost increases for consumers. It illustrates that even seemingly isolated conflicts can have wide-ranging and unforeseen effects on the economy and the flow of goods.


Travel patterns are changing in response to this period of heightened instability. Historical trends indicate that following conflict, travelers often change their travel choices, favoring perceived safer destinations over those considered more unstable. This behavior reflects how a lack of security can impact traveler confidence and directly influence decisions regarding vacation destinations. It creates opportunities for some tourism sectors while others suffer.


The disruptions in flight schedules also have implications for the frequent flyer programs that many travelers use to earn and redeem travel benefits. Some programs have begun limiting the availability of rewards on affected flight paths, frustrating travelers who rely on these programs. Airlines are clearly finding it challenging to balance customer loyalty initiatives with the new demands of navigating disrupted operations and a complex geopolitical landscape. This presents a significant challenge for airlines looking to provide value to their customer base through these programs.


It's not just the flight paths that are changing, but the core structure of air travel connectivity is being redefined as well. Travelers are increasingly looking at alternative hubs, such as Doha and Istanbul, for international connections, creating a shift in traditional flight routing. This change is reshaping the aviation network as travelers adapt and airlines strive to adapt their operations to this new preference. It is an interesting observation of how adaptable air travel has become.


The impacts of geopolitical tensions extend beyond the airlines and travelers themselves to affect local economies. Destinations that rely heavily on tourism can experience substantial declines in revenue when flights are canceled or rerouted, as evidenced by the reported 15% drop in revenue in some regions. This ripple effect highlights the broader economic impact of conflicts on a local and even global scale. It is a grim reminder of how quickly tourism can turn fragile and how dependent regions can become on it.


Increased travel times due to rerouting are not merely an extension of the journey but are also creating a cascade of delays. These disruptions can affect the punctuality of flights and increase the likelihood of connection issues. As rerouted flights need to coordinate with original schedules, it creates delays throughout the entire network. While the motivation for the extra time is understandable, it can lead to frustration and create an additional layer of uncertainty for travelers trying to navigate already complicated journeys.


These changes in air travel caused by geopolitical events reveal the complex relationship between world events and the industry. Airlines, travelers, and the economies of entire regions are impacted, illustrating how interconnected the world is. This period of instability is an opportunity to examine how resilient air travel has become as it navigates increasingly complex challenges in the modern world.