The prospect of a third world war is a topic that haunts international policymakers, military strategists, and global citizens alike. While World War I and World War II were products of specific political, economic, and social circumstances, the dynamics shaping a potential World War III are multifaceted, driven by evolving global power structures, technological advancements, and ideological clashes. Can we truly predict when such a catastrophic event might occur? To address this, we must first examine the factors contributing to escalating global tensions.
The Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
Global power structures today are no longer as clearly defined as during the Cold War, where two superpowers—the United States and the Soviet Union—dominated international affairs. Now, we are witnessing the rise of a multipolar world, where countries such as China, India, Russia, and regional players like Turkey and Iran are challenging the longstanding hegemony of the West.
Rising Nationalism and Authoritarianism
One …