Is a third world war inevitable? Prophets, experts, and even AI weigh in

Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief, Valery Zaluzhny, has warned that the involvement of Russia’s autocratic regimes in its war against Ukraine signals the beginning of World War III. "I believe that in 2024 we can absolutely believe that the Third World War has begun," said Zaluzhny during a speech at Ukrainska Pravda's UP100 award ceremony in November.

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Valery Zaluzhny -

"Because in 2024, Ukraine is no longer facing Russia. Soldiers from North Korea are standing in front of Ukraine. Let's be honest. Already in Ukraine, the Iranian 'Shahedis' are killing civilians absolutely openly, without any shame," Zaluzhny stated, noting that weapons from North Korea and China are being sent into Ukraine.

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The emergence of AI in military strategy and potential risks -

According to UK news sources, ChatGPT warned that a third world war could start because of a combination of nationalism, populism, territorial disputes, failed diplomacy, an arms race, and proxy wars.

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Factors -

All of these factors could lead to millions being killed by the outbreak of war.

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Limitations of AI predictions - It should be noted, however, that while AI can analyze vast amounts of data, it struggles to understand the nuances of human emotion, cultural factors, and political motivations.

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AI prediction #1: resource scarcity -

Resource scarcity can lead to increased tensions and conflicts amongst nations.

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AI prediction #2: Economic turmoil -

Severe global economic crisis could create instability and trigger political unrest.

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AI prediction #3: Cyber warfare -

Escalating cyber attacks could lead to widespread distrust and retaliation among nations.

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AI prediction #4: Cyberwarfare threats -

As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and the potential for infrastructure disruption becomes more of a reality, war is closer than ever.

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AI prediction #5: Territorial disputes -

Long-standing territorial disputes between nations could reach a point of no return and military actions will likely be taken to assert control.

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AI prediction #6: Failed diplomacy - Repeated failed measures erode trust between nations.

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AI prediction #7: Nationalism and populism -

The rise of leaders promoting aggressive foreign policies might contribute to increased tensions and diplomatic breakdowns.

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The human element -

AI is a powerful tool for analyzing trends and potential flashpoints, but it cannot predict the unpredictable. Leaders wield the ultimate power to choose diplomacy or war.

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Additional problems that could cause WWIII: the Korean Peninsula -

North Korea's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons creates a constant threat of miscalculation. A misunderstanding during a military exercise could have catastrophic consequences.

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Additional problems that could cause WWIII: climate change -

As a conflict driver, climate change acts as a threat multiplier, worsening existing tensions over resources like water and land. This can lead to instability, mass migrations, and more.

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Psychological impact -

The heightened anxieties surrounding the possibility of WWIII can have a significant psychological impact on individuals and societies.

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Psychological impact -

Increased feelings of fear, helplessness, and uncertainty can lead to increased mental health problems like anxiety and depression as well as social unrest, distrust, and a decline in civic engagement.

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Credible media -

In an age of misinformation and social media echo chambers, it's crucial that we can rely on credible sources of information about international events.

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Tips for finding reliable information -

Seek out news outlets with a history of fact-checking and unbiased reporting, and look for information from reputable international organizations like the United Nations.

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Struggling with anxiety about the possibility of WWIII? -

There are resources available to help. Talk to a therapist or counselor, practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation, limit your exposure to news and social media, and focus on what you can control in your own life.

Sources: (Express) (YouGov) (The Independent) (Sky News)(Boston University) (Time) (Future Timeline) (BBC) (MailOnline)

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Who was Nostradamus? -

Michel de Nostredame was a French astrologer and reputed seer who lived between 1503 and 1566. The Frenchman predicted the beginning of a third world war in 2024.

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Other Nostradamus predictions -

These include a war with China and the dethroning of King Charles very early on in his reign, as well as the September 11th attacks.

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Nostradamus' record -

While some interpret his verses as predicting WWIII, his prophecies are famously vague and open to multiple interpretations.

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Baba Vanga -

Baba Vanga, who died in 1996, was a Bulgarian prophetess who became a cult figure among conspiracy theorists after some of her pronouncements proved eerily true.

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Warnings from Baba Vanga -

The prophetess warned of an incoming wave of terror and even suggested an undisclosed 'major country' could dabble with biological warfare.

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YouGov data -

YouGov data shows that most Britons are now braced for WWIII, with 53% thinking it is likely that there will be another world war in the next five to 10 years.

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YouGov data -

Eight in 10 Britons think that the US and Russia would be the main players involved in a third world war.

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Is it a global concern? -

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Global concern -

The WWIII threat increased in the UK when it was announced that former US President Joe Biden could move American nuclear weapons to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

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Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief says it's already begun -

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Valery Zaluzhny -

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The emergence of AI in military strategy and potential risks -

Shutterstock

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Factors -

All of these factors could lead to millions being killed by the outbreak of war.

Shutterstock

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Public Domain

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AI prediction #1: resource scarcity -

Resource scarcity can lead to increased tensions and conflicts amongst nations.

Shutterstock

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AI prediction #2: Economic turmoil -

Severe global economic crisis could create instability and trigger political unrest.

Shutterstock

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AI prediction #3: Cyber warfare -

Escalating cyber attacks could lead to widespread distrust and retaliation among nations.

Shutterstock

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AI prediction #4: Cyberwarfare threats -

As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and the potential for infrastructure disruption becomes more of a reality, war is closer than ever.

Shutterstock

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AI prediction #5: Territorial disputes -

Long-standing territorial disputes between nations could reach a point of no return and military actions will likely be taken to assert control.

Shutterstock

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AI prediction #6: Failed diplomacy - Repeated failed measures erode trust between nations.

Shutterstock

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AI prediction #7: Nationalism and populism -

The rise of leaders promoting aggressive foreign policies might contribute to increased tensions and diplomatic breakdowns.

Getty Images

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The human element -

AI is a powerful tool for analyzing trends and potential flashpoints, but it cannot predict the unpredictable. Leaders wield the ultimate power to choose diplomacy or war.

Public Domain

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Additional problems that could cause WWIII: the Korean Peninsula -

North Korea's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons creates a constant threat of miscalculation. A misunderstanding during a military exercise could have catastrophic consequences.

Shutterstock

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Additional problems that could cause WWIII: climate change -

As a conflict driver, climate change acts as a threat multiplier, worsening existing tensions over resources like water and land. This can lead to instability, mass migrations, and more.

Shutterstock

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Psychological impact -

The heightened anxieties surrounding the possibility of WWIII can have a significant psychological impact on individuals and societies.

Shutterstock

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Psychological impact -

Shutterstock

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Credible media -

In an age of misinformation and social media echo chambers, it's crucial that we can rely on credible sources of information about international events.

Getty Images

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Tips for finding reliable information -

Seek out news outlets with a history of fact-checking and unbiased reporting, and look for information from reputable international organizations like the United Nations.

Getty Images

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Struggling with anxiety about the possibility of WWIII? -

Sources: (Express) (YouGov) (The Independent) (Sky News)(Boston University) (Time) (Future Timeline) (BBC) (MailOnline)

Shutterstock

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Is a third world war inevitable? Prophets, experts, and even AI weigh in

Examining the possibility of World War III

09/05/25 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Conflict

Is a Third World War inevitable? With so many terrible and politically charged events taking place worldwide, it can sometimes feel like we are walking on eggshells, never being quite certain when something could erupt, escalate, and end up starting WWIII.What's more, it’s not only public opinion or fear suggesting the possibility of a Third World War: prophets, experts, and even AI are pointing towards it being a reality. Click through to see what they're saying.