Is World War III just around the corner? Analyzing global tensions

The opinion piece from Deseret News discusses the escalating tensions in global politics and debates whether the world is on the brink of World War III.

The author suggests that while the situation is undeniably dangerous—with increasing threats from major powers and the involvement of countries like North Korea in the Ukraine conflict—the notion that WWIII has already begun is speculative at best.

The piece opens by questioning the timeline for the potential onset of World War III, highlighting significant events like Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the annexation of Crimea in 2014 as possible inflection points. However, it emphasizes that understanding history is often clearer in retrospect and cautions against assuming a new global conflict is inevitable.

The author outlines the alarming developments in recent geopolitical events, such as the potential deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine, which U.S. officials see as a serious escalation that could invite direct military action. This raises concerns about the war's expansion and the implications for global security. Expert opinions, including those from commentators like George Will and military analysts, support the view that WWIII might already be underway, citing increased terrorist activities in Europe and a general lack of awareness among the U.S. public regarding the threats posed by adversarial nations like Russia and China.

The piece does not shy away from noting the dire consequences of such a conflict, mentioning how nations like Sweden and Finland are preparing their citizens for possible armed conflict. However, it balances this alarming narrative with a dose of realism, arguing that the introduction of North Korean forces might reflect Russia's desperation rather than an impending world war. Additionally, it points out that despite the threats, the U.S. and its allies still hold substantial economic power, which could help avert a large-scale conflict if managed wisely.

While recognizing the serious geopolitical landscape, the piece ultimately asserts that World War III is not an unavoidable outcome. It calls for clearer communication from U.S. leaders regarding their strategies for addressing these global challenges. The conclusion underscores that, while the world is facing unprecedented dangers, the prospect of another world war is not predetermined, emphasizing the importance of strategic management in navigating the current international environment.

By Vugar Khalilov