In a world where tensions are rising and conflicts are escalating, the possibility of a Third World War is a topic of concern. UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has warned that wars involving major global powers like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran could engulf the world in the next five years, signaling a shift from a post-war to a pre-war world.
Experts have weighed in on the situation, with Hugh Lovatt from the European Council on Foreign Relations stating that while there are conflicts in various regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, they are separate and not connected. However, the international order is under strain, and there is a risk of British troops getting involved in conflicts in the Middle East.
Sky News security and defense editor, Deborah Haynes, believes that the potential for a spark that ignites World War Three already exists, especially with the recent escalation of tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East. The crisis could be contained if handled with restraint, but the risk of error or miscalculation leading to uncontrolled escalation remains.
Edward R Arnold from the Royal United Services Institute emphasizes the importance of understanding NATO’s principles and the need for de-escalation measures to prevent conflicts from spiraling out of control. Despite the current focus on the Middle East, the threat of a wider conflict with Russia still looms.
Dr. Luigi Scazzieri from the Centre for European Reform highlights the potential for a conflict between Iran and Israel to escalate into a major military confrontation with global implications. The primary pathway to a World War Three scenario, he suggests, would involve a direct clash between Western powers and Russia, especially if NATO is undermined or if Western forces become directly involved in conflicts like the one in Ukraine.