Politico: Western nations fear Third World War in next five years Poll finds

Residents of Western countries are increasingly fearing the outbreak of a third world war, according to survey data reported by Politico.

In all surveyed countries—the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—a majority of respondents consider the start of a global conflict likely within the next five years. The sense of risk has risen sharply over the past nine months since the previous poll.

Concern is particularly high in the United States, where 46 per cent of respondents say a world war is “likely” or “very likely” by 2031. In the United Kingdom, 43 per cent share that view, while Germans overall appear somewhat more optimistic.

In the UK, France, Germany, and Canada, there is considerable public support for increasing defence budgets. However, that support declines when respondents are told that such measures could lead to higher public debt, cuts to other services, or tax increases. As a result, public concerns are restraining Western leaders from significantly boosting defence spending.

Amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and U.S. actions in Iran, Syria, Venezuela, and Africa, many Western citizens perceive a heightened risk of global conflict. More than one-third of respondents in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada believe the use of nuclear weapons within the next five years is a realistic possibility.

By Vugar Khalilov