© Getty Images

Who was Nostradamus? -

Now let's look back at the original 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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Public Domain

Nostradamus' record -

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

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

YouGov data -

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

© Getty Images

Is it a global concern? -

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.

© Shutterstock

Global concern -

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

© Public Domain

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.

© Shutterstock

Factors -

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

© Shutterstock

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.

© Public Domain

AI prediction #1: resource scarcity -

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

© Shutterstock

AI prediction #2: Economic turmoil -

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

© Shutterstock

AI prediction #3: Cyber warfare -

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

© Public Domain

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

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

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

© Shutterstock

AI prediction #7: Nationalism and populism -

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

© Shutterstock

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

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

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

Psychological impact -

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

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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)

See also: The best (and worst) places to live in the US in case of a war outbreak

© Shutterstock