How do markets typically react when diplomacy fails and geopolitical risk escalates?

Over the last few sessions, markets have been extremely reactive to geopolitical headlines. We saw sharp moves across assets followed by equally sharp reversals.

As of the last U.S. close (Jan 31):

Gold closed around $4,865

Silver near $84.7

Crude oil around $65

Earlier in the week, risk-off assets rallied aggressively before pulling back, while equities and other risk assets saw sudden selloffs.

Historically, when diplomatic channels weaken and uncertainty increases, markets tend to reprice risk very quickly often before any outcome is actually known.

For long-term investors, I’m curious:

Which assets usually react first in these situations?

Do these moves tend to hold, or fade once uncertainty stabilizes?

How do you personally position (or avoid positioning) during periods like this?

Interested in hearing different perspectives, especially from those who’ve seen multiple geopolitical cycles play out.