A world war is an international conflict which involves all or most of the world's major powers. Historically, the term is reserved for two major international conflicts that occurred during the first half of the 20th century, World War I (1914–1918) and World War II (1939–1945). Some historians have also described other global conflicts the Cold War and the War on Terror.
Fears of Nuclear War since Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War, there has been a widespread and prolonged fear of a potential third World War between nuclear-armed powers. It is often suggested that the third world war would be a nuclear war, and will be more devastating and violent than both the First and Second World Wars.
The impact of a Nuclear War will be devastating. Albert Einstein is often quoted as having said in 1947 that "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raises fears of World War 3
With Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, China’s increasingly threatening behavior towards Taiwan and India, and the devastating economic attack the US and its allies launched on China’s advanced chip manufacturing sector, a global war is now raging between the US and its allies on one side and the Russia and China on the other is becoming more overt.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine aimed in part to seize the Donbas territory. In the abstract, the US does not have any direct national interest in who controls the Donbas. Putin, on the other hand, has bet an enormous amount of his prestige on conquering it. So, if Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a completely isolated event, then it would be difficult to argue that the US should run a big risk of confrontation with Russia in order to assist Ukraine in taking back the Donbas.
But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not a completely isolated event. If Putin wins, then Putin’s regime will be much stronger and (if anything) even more hostile towards the Allies. The cumulative long run probability of a nuclear attack on the US arising from either inevitable future crises or mistakes will therefore increase. But if Putin suffers a major defeat in Ukraine, his regime will be considerably weakened.
George Soros thinks Third World War is on
Noted investor and philanthropist George Soros believes that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 was the beginning of the third world war. In an article published under Project Syndicate, Soros wrote, “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 was the beginning of a third world war that has the potential to destroy our civilization.” He adds, “Russia may well lose the war. The United States and the European Union are both sending defensive weapons to Ukraine, and there are efforts to buy Russian-made MIG fighters that Ukrainian pilots know how to fly. These could make all the difference. Regardless of the outcome, Putin has already worked wonders when it comes to strengthening the EU’s resolve and unity.”
At the time of writing this article, Russia and Ukraine are engaged in the battle.
US President Jeo Biden visited Ukraine just before the first anniversary of Russia's invasion on February 20. He said that Russia's President Vladimir Putin had been "dead wrong" to think Russia could outlast Ukraine and its Western allies. He met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the pair visited a memorial to soldiers who have died in the nine years since Russia annexed Crimea and its proxy forces captured parts of the eastern Donbas region. Mr Biden's presence was intended to reaffirm America's "unwavering commitment to Ukraine's democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity", according to a White House statement.
After the visit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a new package of security assistance for Ukraine valued at $450m (£373m), including ammunition for howitzers and the Himars rocket system, Javelin missiles and air surveillance radars.
Many potential reasons for World War 3
Russia Ukraine war is not the only reason for the possible World War 3. Experts cite many other potential reasons like:
- Natural resources: Wars and natural resources have a long common history. There are many wars fought in the world due to natural resources. And it cannot be ruled out that they cause World War 3. Oil, water, land & minerals can cause wars in future.
- Terrorism: One of the main causes of Terrorism is perceived negligence of some communities. This is a big threat to world and has the potential to cause world war. But in this war, ideally all nations will be united in the fight against Terrorist elements.
Summary
It is sad that while many people are working towards establishing peace in the world, there are many other forces that are creating conflicts among countries. Indeed, if World War 3 happens, entire human race may be wiped out, because of the technologically advanced weapons and nuclear arms. To avoid World War 3 from happening, all nations must work towards to settle all issues negotiations and understanding. To secure our children’s future, all countries must come together to counter negative forces and nurture positive forces.
