Art, obsession, and identity
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.
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.
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.
While some interpret his verses as predicting WWIII, his prophecies are famously vague and open to multiple interpretations.
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.
The prophetess warned of an incoming wave of terror and even suggested an undisclosed 'major country' could dabble with biological warfare.
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.
Eight in 10 Britons think that the US and Russia would be the main players involved in a third world war.
In every country surveyed by Visual Capitalist, the majority of respondents believed a world war could break out in the coming years. Australia was the most pessimistic, and Japan was the most optimistic.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
All of these factors could lead to millions being killed by the outbreak of war.
Resource scarcity can lead to increased tensions and conflicts amongst nations.
Severe global economic crisis could create instability and trigger political unrest.
Escalating cyber attacks could lead to widespread distrust and retaliation among nations.
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and the potential for infrastructure disruption becomes more of a reality, war is closer than ever.
Long-standing territorial disputes between nations could reach a point of no return and military actions will likely be taken to assert control.
The rise of leaders promoting aggressive foreign policies might contribute to increased tensions and diplomatic breakdowns.
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.
North Korea's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons creates a constant threat of miscalculation. A misunderstanding during a military exercise could have catastrophic consequences.
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.
The heightened anxieties surrounding the possibility of WWIII can have a significant psychological impact on individuals and societies.
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.
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.
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.
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)
See also: The best (and worst) places to live in the US in case of a war outbreak
Is a third world war inevitable? Prophets, experts, and even AI weigh in
Examining the possibility of World War III
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.